Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Craving a cheesy, smoky flavor bomb the whole family will devour? Look no further! This Monterey Chicken Pasta is your answer.
Made with shredded chicken, smokey BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, this is an easy one-pan meal that everyone will love.
Let me show you another Family Favorite Chicken Recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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This easy one-skillet recipe is our family's spin on the classic Chili's Monterey Chicken, combining the irresistible flavors you love with the convenience of a 30-minute meal.
The best part about this recipe is it's made all in one pan and is easy to clean up. Monterey Chicken and Pasta will definitely become one of your family's favorites.
Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home!
If you love the taste of barbecue chicken like my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken or even my Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, you're going to enjoy this recipe too!
Table of Contents
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Top Tip
Don't have time to cook chicken? No problem! Use a rotisserie chicken or whip up a batch of my easy Shredded Crock Pot Chicken for this recipe. Both options save you time and still deliver delicious results!
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Recipe Substitutes and Variations
Use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Or if you prefer, you can brown ground chicken.
Instead of regular bacon, try turkey bacon which will help cut down on the calories.
If you don't have Monterey Jack, Colby Jack is a similar melty cheese. Or you can use mozzarella cheese.
Try making your own Homemade Barbecue Sauce!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Place the pasta, chicken and Rotel tomatoes, do not drain, in a large skillet.
Step 2: Add in two cups of chicken broth and combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat up to high, allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes stirring every 5 minutes or so.
Step 3: Once the pasta is finished cooking and most of the liquid is absorbed, drizzle the BBQ sauce over the top of the skillet.
Step 4: Add the cheese on top. Place the lid back on top of the skillet and set the heat on low. Allow the mixture to cook for another five minutes or just long enough for the cheese to melt.
Step 5: Top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions right before serving.
Serving Tips
Serve this cheesy Monterey chicken pasta casserole in individual bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions for a burst of freshness.
This recipe doesn't really need a side dish, but a plate of my cheesy Jalapeno Corn Muffins would be great!
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Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer. It should keep for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. And bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If frozen solid, you may need to increase the baking time.
Recipe FAQ's
What is the best way to cook chicken to shred it?
There are a few ways to cook chicken that you want to shred and use in recipes. You can poach the chicken in a pot of water or chicken broth. You can also use a crock pot or even an instant pot. Some people like to even broil or cook the chicken in the oven.
What is the best way to shred chicken?
I usually use two forks to shred chicken. But a lot of people find using a hand mixer on low speed to break up the chicken into shreds or tiny pieces to use in recipes.
What is Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel is a brand name for canned diced tomatoes with spices. They're usually found in the Mexican food section of your local grocery store. If you can't find this brand, you can substitute a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilies.
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📖 Recipe Card
Monterey Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded pre-cooked chicken
- 1 - 10 ounce can Rotel mild diced tomatoes with green chiles
- ½ pound Rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 slices cooked bacon
- 2 green onions; sliced
Method
- Place the pasta, chicken, and Rotel (do not drain) tomatoes in a large skillet.
- Add in two cups of chicken broth and combine.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat on to high, allow it to come to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so.
- After about 15 minutes the pasta should be almost cooked and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the top of the chicken and pasta. Add the shredded cheese.
- Put the heat on low, cover the skillet and allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Top with the crumbled bacon and green onions.
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