Sizzling King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Texan comfort food reaches new heights with this King Ranch chicken casserole that blends creamy textures and zesty southwestern flavors.

Layers of tender chicken meld perfectly with robust green chiles and melted cheese.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this hearty dish for its simplicity and rich taste.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crisp tortillas and savory protein.

Spices dance through the casserole, creating a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Families gather around the table, eager to savor every delicious forkful.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, guaranteed to become a household favorite.

FAQs

• What are the origins of King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

This classic Tex-Mex dish originated in Texas, inspired by the famous King Ranch, the largest ranch in the United States. It combines traditional Texan and Mexican flavors in a hearty, comforting casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and chili powder. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild green chilies or reducing the chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

What Makes King Ranch Chicken Casserole a Favorite

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a hearty Texan-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Family Feast Champion: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this casserole delivers crowd-pleasing flavors that satisfy both kids and adults with its cheesy, savory goodness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Easily prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious dinner without complicated cooking steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for potlucks, game nights, or weeknight dinners, this casserole brings southwest flair to any dining occasion with its rich, bold flavor profile.

Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A hearty protein that serves as the primary component of this classic Texan casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: The base layer that provides structure and traditional Mexican-inspired texture to the dish.
• Cheese: A creamy, melty topping that adds richness and helps bind the casserole together.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that builds a flavorful foundation for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauces that create a smooth, rich base for the casserole.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances the overall savory taste.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Signature spices that bring depth and traditional Southwestern flavor to the casserole.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic.

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

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Tear corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces. Spread half of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Half of the prepared sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Start with the rest of the torn tortillas, followed by the remaining chicken, sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the dish is bubbling and the cheese turns golden and melted.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Tips for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Choose rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
• Swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture in the casserole.
• Use low-fat cream soups and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this classic dish.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat and complexity in the flavor.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience and time-saving meal planning.

Variations to Try with King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Southwest Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free King Ranch: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cashew cream sauce.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Add extra green chiles, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to increase heat and flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortillas with layers of cauliflower rice or zucchini slices for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the classic casserole texture.

Serving Suggestions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Fiesta Night Favorite: Serve this King Ranch Chicken Casserole as the star of your dinner party, surrounded by colorful Mexican-inspired side dishes like cilantro-lime rice and fresh guacamole.
• Southwestern Comfort Plate: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad topped with avocado and a zesty lime dressing to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by topping a slice with a sunny-side-up egg and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hearty breakfast option.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller squares and serve as a delicious appetizer during sports gatherings, accompanied by extra salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Storage Advice for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking for optimal freshness.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 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 creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion
• 1 green bell pepper

Protein and Soup Base:

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a large skillet until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Create a rich sauce by combining condensed soups, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Construct the first layer of the casserole by evenly spreading torn tortillas across the bottom of the prepared dish.
5. Distribute half of the shredded chicken over the tortilla base, ensuring uniform coverage.
6. Ladle half of the prepared sauce across the chicken layer, allowing it to seep between the ingredients.
7. Sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheese over the sauce, creating a melty barrier.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and top with a final generous layer of cheese.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or hot green chilies based on spice preference.
• Swap corn tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower tortillas for a keto-friendly version.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soup and broth, which helps control overall salt content without compromising flavor.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the sautéing stage for increased vitamins and fiber.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg