King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a legendary Tex-Mex dish known for its layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Bursting with flavor and warmth, this comforting casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, spicy green chilies, and rich, creamy sauce creates a truly satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and infuse the vegetables with flavor.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
This creamy, tangy sauce is what gives the casserole its rich, velvety texture and iconic Tex-Mex flavor.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will help prevent the tortillas from sticking and keep everything moist.
Next, layer half of the corn tortillas over the sauce, followed by half of the shredded chicken, half of the sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese. Pour half of the sauce over these layers.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken, vegetables, and cheese, finishing by pouring the rest of the sauce on top.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let It Rest and Garnish
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.
For a fresh burst of flavor, garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro and serve it with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeño peppers.
Serving Suggestions
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is perfect served on its own or alongside classic Tex-Mex sides like:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- A side salad with avocado and lime dressing
It’s also great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen even more after a day or two in the fridge. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Tips for the Best King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. You can also cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas hold up best in this casserole, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
- Cheese: For extra richness, you can add a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for added creaminess and flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider adding extra vegetables like chopped zucchini, corn, or black beans to the casserole.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, use a can of hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or add in some diced jalapeños.
Variations of King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- King Ranch Chicken Soup: Make the dish into a creamy, comforting soup by increasing the chicken broth and serving the mixture over rice or with tortilla chips.
- Spicy King Ranch Chicken: Add hot sauce, extra diced jalapeños, or use spicy shredded cheese to give the casserole a kick.
- Vegetarian King Ranch Casserole: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap out the corn tortillas for a low-carb tortilla option or omit them entirely and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
Conclusion
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a timeless favorite for its unbeatable combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tender tortillas. With minimal prep and a comforting, cheesy result, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a weeknight meal, the King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a reliable, delicious choice that delivers big flavors with little effort.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a legendary Tex-Mex dish known for its layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Bursting with flavor and warmth, this comforting casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, spicy green chilies, and rich, creamy sauce creates a truly satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the sauce mixture to coat the bottom.
Layer half of the torn corn tortillas over the sauce.
Add half of the shredded chicken on top of the tortillas.
Pour half of the remaining sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers: the remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Corn Tortilla Tip: Corn tortillas give this casserole its traditional flavor, but flour tortillas can be substituted if preferred.
- Chicken Substitution: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also use poached or baked chicken breasts.
- Extra Veggies: You can add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the onion mixture for extra flavor and heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.