If you love comfort food with a delightful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe. It combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with tender chicken, hearty pierogis, and a hint of crispy onions on top. This casserole is the perfect warm hug on a plate, blending familiar ingredients in a way that feels special yet totally approachable. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy dinner with friends, this dish brings both ease and excitement to the table.

Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring that every bite has the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color that makes the Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe such a standout.

Frozen pierogis (2 boxes, 16-oz each): These tender pockets of dough bring hearty, satisfying bites and soak up all the delicious sauce.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10.5-oz each): Acts as a rich, velvety base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
Sour cream (1 container, 16-oz): Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the savory aspects perfectly.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Boosts the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Gives a subtle garlicky warmth that enhances every component.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the savory notes.
Cooked chopped chicken (4 cups): The protein star that makes this casserole hearty and filling.
Frozen spinach (1 package, 10-oz, thawed and drained): Adds a nutritious green touch and subtle earthiness.
French fried onions (1 can, 6-oz, divided): For that irresistible crispy topping and a little extra flavor in the mix.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts perfectly to glue everything together with a mild, creamy cheesiness.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your casserole comes out smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the Cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates the luscious, creamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Add 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, thawed and drained spinach, chopped cooked chicken, half of the French fried onions, and the frozen pierogis into the bowl. Stir everything thoroughly so every pierogi gets coated in that creamy mix, ensuring a rich, flavorful bite every time.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese and French fried onions on top. This layering creates a gorgeous cheesy crust with a perfectly crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling all over and the top is golden brown with those crispy onions glistening. Let it cool a tiny bit before serving to allow the casserole to set.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your plate by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is already hearty, lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables complement it perfectly. A side of steamed green beans or a cucumber salad keeps things fresh and adds a bit of crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering or casual dinner party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. You can also pile it high on plates and offer bowls of extra cheese and crisp french fried onions for guests to customize their servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen adding extra baking time, until hot and bubbly throughout.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If in a hurry, microwave portions individually, but you may miss out on some of the crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pierogis instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh pierogis will work well and might even give you a slightly softer texture. Just be mindful that the cooking time could be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes.

What type of chicken is best for this casserole?

Cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken breast or thigh meat both work beautifully. Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor, making this recipe even easier to whip up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup for a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s very mild and comforting, with no heat from spices. You can easily add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick without losing its classic flavor.

Is it possible to use a different cheese?

Definitely. Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, but feel free to try cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for extra meltiness. Mixing cheeses can also be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly comforting about the Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Its effortless assembly and rich, layered flavors make it feel like a special treat without hours in the kitchen. If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug and is guaranteed to satisfy, this casserole is a must-try. Give it a shot — your taste buds will thank you.

Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 53 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Monterey Chicken Pierogi Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy chicken soup, tangy sour cream, tender cooked chicken, spinach, and golden fried pierogis baked to perfection with a crunchy topping of French fried onions and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 (16-oz) boxes frozen pierogis
4 cups cooked chopped chicken
1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 (6-oz) can French fried onions, divided

Sauce & Seasonings

2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (16-oz) container sour cream
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, cooked chopped chicken, half of the French fried onions, and the frozen pierogis. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined pierogi mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top, followed by the rest of the French fried onions for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.

Notes

Make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
You can use any cooked chicken such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs like parsley before baking.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake a little longer if baking cold from the fridge.
Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup to make this recipe lighter and lower in sodium.
The French fried onions add a nice crunchy texture; do not skip or substitute if you want the original taste and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American