Holy schmoly. I found what I will forever and ever do with my shredded chicken from now until eternity and its this… MONTEREY CHICKEN CASSEROLE! Don’t let it’s simplicity fool you, its jam packed full of flavor and I highly suggest doubling the batch.
The Monterey Chicken Casserole is the perfect “fridge dump” , you literally just toss everything into the casserole dish, bake it, and then consume it! I love making this for friends and family because it’s so easy and they will think you are the absolute best cook ever! We don’t do much dairy, but let me tell you, if you and dairy are bffs, or even just acquaintances, this recipe is absolutely splendid with cheese sprinkled all over the top of it.
If you happen to have leftovers, I personally enjoy it topped with a fried or poached egg. It’s also good mixed with some spinach or kale…like a salad! You can use frozen hashbrowns, or fresh grated potatoes. I prefer yukon gold potatoes if you are shredding yourself.
When it comes to shredded chicken, there are a few options. You can do pre packaged shredded chicken, shred it yourself (just throw into your instant pot, or steam for 15 min, then shred with a fork) or you can get a rotisserie chicken and use that! All the options for you. You are so very very welcome!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1 packaage of frozen hashbrowns
- 1 can roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can diced green chilis
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- Cilantro for garnish
- OPTIONAL: shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cook and shred chicken or use pre shredded chicken.
- Grease a casserole dish and dump the hashbrowns onto the bottom. Spread evenly.
- Add the shredded chicken, making sure its covering all of the hashbrowns.
- Next, take the chilis and diced tomatoes and pour over the top of the chicken.
- Lastly, pour the bbq sauce over it and add the chopped bacon. No need to cook the bacon, it will cook in the oven! If using cheese, sprinkle over the top
- Place in oven and cook for 25 minutes.
- Remove and garnish with fresh cilantro
This Monterey Chicken Casserole really doesn’t need any seasoning, except maybe a pinch of salt and pepper. Try it first and adjust according to your liking!
Whole30: yes
Paleo: use sweet potatoes instead
I can’t believe how easy this is! I’ll definitely be trying this technique out (and crying if I ever omit cheese). Thanks for sharing at the link up today!
xoxo K
http://peeledwellness.com
yum this is looks delicious! My husband would love it. Thanks for the recipe!
One of my husband’s faves! Probably because its got bacon and BBQ sauce haha! 🙂
Do you have a recipe for you BBQ sauce?
Yes you can find it here…..https://pretenditsadonut.com/2014/11/25/bbq-pulled-pork-whole30-approved/
Hi this sounds delicious can’t wait to try just wondering if using sweet potato instead of hash browns how would you recommend preparing them grated /sliced??? Thank you x
Grate them and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle some salt on top and after about 5 min, dab with another paper towel to absorb the moisture. Place on the bottom of the casserole dish and drizzle with a little oil of choice, then do the rest per instructions!
Man, when I was putting this together, I was thinking this would be bland. But this was REALLY GOOD!! I used a 15 oz can of tomatoes and a 4 oz can of green chilis, (It doesn’t say, so I guessed) no cheese and turkey bacon since that’s what we had. I imagine using real bacon would have added more flavor to the potatoes, but everyone in my home loved it! This is definitely going into the rotation! AND SOOOO EASY!!!
Its a recipe that looks almost too good (and easy) to be true! lol! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it!
Whole family loved this meal and it was super easy!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it
What size package of frozen hashbrowns?
20 oz package 🙂