Zesty King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Texan Delight

A hearty King Ranch chicken casserole brings comfort to any dinner table with its rich, cheesy layers.

Layers of tender tortillas and juicy chicken create a southwestern-inspired masterpiece.

Creamy sauce binds every delicious bite together with a perfect blend of spices.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Families gather around this classic tex-mex dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Generations have passed down this recipe, making it a cherished tradition.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this amazing casserole.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Overview

• Conquer Comfort Food: This King Ranch Chicken Casserole delivers ultimate comfort with its hearty layers of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and melted cheese that create a satisfying meal everyone craves.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Packed with protein, vegetables, and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this casserole eliminates multiple cooking steps by combining everything in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, changing cheese types, or adding extra spices to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core appeal.
• Feed a Hungry Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this casserole serves multiple people generously and travels well, making it a reliable go-to dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas form the base layers of this hearty casserole.
• Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken provides the protein and main substance of the dish.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese adds richness and creates a melty, golden topping.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful foundation for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: These condensed soups form a creamy, binding sauce for the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and a slight kick of spice to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: These spices provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

How to Prepare King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Get ready for a flavor-packed comfort meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Veggies

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aromas.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and develop a rich, complex taste.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the sauce mixture
• Sprinkle of shredded cheese

Step 5: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.

Cover the first layer with another set of torn tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your King Ranch Chicken Casserole while it’s warm and gooey!

Tips for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly shredded chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, more delicate casserole base.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium cream soups and using reduced-fat cheese options.
• Add extra heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or using spicy green chilies for a zestier kick.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity before baking.

Flavor Variations for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Ranch Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or jackfruit for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla chips. Choose gluten-free cream soups or make homemade cream sauce.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, swap green chilies for hotter roasted poblano peppers, increase chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice as a base, replace tortillas with zucchini slices, and use a lighter cream cheese mixture instead of traditional soups.

Serving Suggestions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad topped with crisp tortilla strips for added crunch.
• Tex-Mex Comfort Combo: Pair the dish with Mexican-style rice and refried beans to create a complete southwestern-style meal that satisfies deep hunger.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a morning sensation by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh cilantro for a breakfast twist that brings bold flavors to the table.
• Gathering Glory: Create a casual potluck spread by offering hot sauce, sour cream, and chopped green onions as optional toppings that let guests customize their plates.

Storage Tips for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Seal the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture loss and refrigerator odors from seeping in.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole spicy?

The recipe includes mild spices like chili powder and cumin, which add flavor without intense heat. Green chilies provide a subtle kick, but the dish isn’t considered very spicy.

• What makes this casserole different from other chicken casseroles?

This Texan classic combines tortillas, chicken, and a creamy sauce with southwest-inspired seasonings, creating a unique layered dish that’s heartier than traditional chicken casseroles.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that works perfectly in this casserole and adds delicious, pre-cooked flavor to the dish.

Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken casserole brings Texan comfort to dinner tables with layers of tortillas, chicken, and creamy sauce. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy, Cheese, and Dairy-based Sauces:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth

Tortillas and Cooking Spray:

• 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in a large skillet until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Allow mixture to simmer and blend flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Create the first layer in the prepared dish by evenly spreading torn tortilla pieces across the bottom.
5. Top tortillas with a generous portion of shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution.
6. Pour half the prepared sauce over the chicken layer, covering completely.
7. Sprinkle a thick layer of shredded cheese across the sauce.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
9. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden and cheese becomes fully melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Make tortillas crispy by lightly toasting them in a dry skillet before layering for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Swap traditional tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version that maintains authentic Tex-Mex taste profile.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and consistently tender, well-seasoned meat throughout the casserole.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium cream soups and using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought versions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg