King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a rich, cheesy, and soul-satisfying slice of comfort, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a legendary Tex-Mex creation that brings together tender chicken, colorful veggies, Texan-style spices, and layers of gooey cheese all baked to bubbly perfection on a base of soft corn tortillas. Perfect for feeding a crowd, craving a weeknight dinner that feels special, or stirring up a bit of nostalgia, this casserole never disappoints. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a beloved staple across generations and dinner tables!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful list of ingredients. Each one adds a pop of color, a touch of spice, or a boost of creamy texture, so don’t skip a thing—every ingredient has its own tasty part to play.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and guarantees juicy, flavorful pieces throughout every bite.
- Butter: Just a couple of tablespoons enrich the base and help the vegetables sauté to delicious softness.
- Onion: Chopped onion creates a savory aromatic foundation that sets off every flavor in the casserole.
- Green bell pepper: Bright and crisp, bell peppers add color and mild sweetness to the mix.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic deepens the savory notes—you’ll really notice its magic here.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret to that creamy, craveable filling that ties everything together.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Doubles down on creaminess and introduces a subtle umami touch.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds zing, gentle heat, and bursts of juicy flavor.
- Chili powder: The essential Tex-Mex spice, bringing warmth without too much heat.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin gives the casserole its unmistakable Texan depth.
- Salt & black pepper: The perfect finishing duo to round out and balance all the bold flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar creates the irresistible golden crust and gooey filling everyone fights over.
- Corn tortillas: Cut in quarters, they form soft, hearty layers in every forkful.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and a welcome, fresh herbal finish.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to make sure everything bakes evenly and turns out perfectly gooey and golden. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray—this step ensures effortless serving later and prevents the cheesy layers from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Toss in those chopped onions and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally, and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and give it another minute, letting the kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma that assures you’re on the path to something special.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Filling
With your sautéed veggies still in the skillet, stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and happily simmering together, about 2 or 3 minutes, giving the flavors a quick chance to mingle.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in your shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a huge timesaver here, providing tender bites and a lovely roasted flavor that stands up to all that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Layer the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Now comes the fun part! Place half the cut corn tortillas in your prepared baking dish, making sure they overlap a little to form a solid base. Spread half of the chicken-veg mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle on half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, the rest of the chicken mixture, and finish with the last of the cheese scattered generously across the top.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and a beautiful golden brown. That last blast of heat brings everything together and ensures delicious, cheesy edges everyone loves.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Take the casserole out and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier. If you want, top your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro for an inviting, colorful finish that really brightens up the dish.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly inviting presentation, sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped fresh cilantro or even thinly sliced green onions. If you like a little extra heat, a few rings of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce can add the perfect finishing kick. Don’t forget a wedge of lime to squeeze over each slice for a bright, zesty pop.
Side Dishes
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is already hearty and packed with flavor, but serving it alongside simple sides transforms dinner into a true Tex-Mex feast. Spoon up some Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. Warm-up some extra corn or flour tortillas for sopping up every last drop of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins for a fun, restaurant-style twist? You could even scoop the casserole into warmed taco shells for a playful hand-held version. For parties, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares and skewer with festive picks—it makes a fantastic, crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first before refrigerating, which helps preserve the textures and keeps the flavors fresh.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend! You can assemble it right up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re finally ready for a busy night dinner or surprise guests, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and recapture that just-baked magic, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20–25 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions in bursts, stirring occasionally, and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or cilantro to freshen things up.
FAQs
Can I make the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The next day, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed—perfect for planning ahead or prepping for guests.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken makes the job easy: simply pull the meat apart by hand or use two forks for quick shredding. If you cook chicken breasts or thighs at home, shred while still warm for best texture.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas provide the classic flavor and texture, but flour ones work in a pinch if you prefer their soft, chewy bite. Just note, the consistency will be a bit different but still delicious!
How spicy is this dish?
The casserole is more savory than spicy as written. To amp up the heat, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add fresh chopped jalapeños to the filling. Mild chilies keep things family-friendly.
Is the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free canned soups and double-check your tortillas, you can definitely make this dish gluten-free. Always confirm ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a bubbling dish of King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe with friends or family—it’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to win smiles at any table. If you haven’t tried this classic comfort yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and see why it’s stood the test of time. Happy cooking!
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex bake that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of shredded chicken, creamy soups, spices, and cheese make this casserole a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded chicken.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the tortilla pieces, half of the chicken mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight or frozen before baking.
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add chopped jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
