If you love a cozy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that brings together tender chicken, creamy spinach, and crispy onion goodness, then you’re going to adore this Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where simple ingredients come together in the most delightful way, wrapped in buttery crescent rolls and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, these roll ups never fail to impress and satisfy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures, along with that classic comforting flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken: The protein base that makes this dish hearty and wholesome.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the filling moist and rich.
- ½ (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Brings a subtle earthiness and gorgeous green color to the mix.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Melted gooey goodness that lends a mild, buttery flavor and stringy texture.
- 1¼ cup French fried onions, divided: Provides an irresistible crunch and a slightly sweet, oniony bite to the dish.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a savory, creamy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture for a perfect consistency.
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count): The soft, flaky dough that wraps around the filling for a delicious, golden crust.
- 1 (4-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls (4-count): Adds extra crescent triangles so you get a total of 12 rolls with plenty of filling to go around.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your rolls won’t stick and will get that perfect golden crust. This simple prep sets the foundation for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, sour cream, well-drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup of French fried onions. Feel free to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. This blend is where the magic happens, creating a creamy and savory filling with a hint of crispy onion flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
Step 3: Roll Up the Filling
Carefully separate the crescent rolls into 12 triangles. On the wide end of each triangle, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture, then roll it up tightly but gently so the filling stays inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, nestling them close together; this arrangement helps them stay moist and soft.
Step 4: Bake the Crescent Rolls
Bake the rolls for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. This initial baking gives the crescents a chance to start cooking and firming up before adding the creamy soup mixture on top.
Step 5: Add the Soup Mixture and Toppings
While the rolls bake, whisk together the milk and can of unsalted cream of chicken soup until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the partially baked rolls. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and the last ¼ cup of French fried onions on top to add that irresistible melty and crunchy finish.
Step 6: Final Bake until Bubbly
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma, and you’ll know the Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your stream of flavors, garnish your roll ups with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of dried oregano. These simple touches add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness and add freshness to your plate. Roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw also complement the savory flavors beautifully, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal-sized portions. You can also place them on a platter with a small bowl of ranch dressing or salsa for dipping, which adds fun and interaction to the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Monterey Chicken Roll Ups have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and are just as delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, Monterey Chicken Roll Ups freeze wonderfully. Arrange the baked rolls in a freezer-safe container or individually wrap each roll before freezing. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights!
Reheating
When reheating, cover the rolls with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method preserves the crispness of the crescent dough while warming the creamy filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté the fresh spinach briefly to wilt and remove excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This helps prevent the roll ups from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese for a similar melt and flavor. Monterey Jack offers a mildty creamy texture, but these alternatives work just fine.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While the dish relies heavily on dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and milk substitutes. Just be aware the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Can I prepare the roll ups ahead and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the roll ups and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the soup mixture and crumb toppings before baking.
How spicy is this dish?
This Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is mild and comforting. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling if you crave a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this incredible Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you’ll dive in and treat yourself and your loved ones to this crowd-pleasing favorite. It’s a cozy, cheesy, and undeniably delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a regular comfort food in your kitchen rotation!
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Monterey Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Monterey Chicken Roll Ups are a delicious and creamy chicken-filled crescent roll appetizer or main dish, featuring a savory blend of cooked chicken, spinach, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with a crispy French fried onion topping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1¼ cups French fried onions, divided
Other
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
- 1 (4-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls (4-count)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (remaining from 2 cups total)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup of French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired, and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent roll dough into 12 individual triangles (from both cans). Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll each crescent triangle up starting at the wide end, encasing the filling, and place the roll-ups seam side down in the prepared baking dish evenly spaced.
- Initial Bake: Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to lightly brown and begin cooking the dough.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: While the roll-ups bake, stir together the unsalted cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven after the initial 10 minutes. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the crescent rolls. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and ¼ cup French fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
- Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the sodium content; add salt as needed.
- For more flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion powder to the filling mixture.
- This dish can be served as a hearty appetizer or a main course paired with a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
