If you’ve never tried the iconic King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe, you’re in for a true Tex-Mex treat! This comforting dish layers tender shredded chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and zesty tomatoes with green chiles, all nestled between soft corn tortillas and smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress a crowd or just cozy up with something soul-satisfying, this casserole brings the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and irresistible cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are your core players—each ingredient in this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe brings something special, from vivid color to that familiar, bold flavor Tex-Mex fans crave. Together, they create the perfect harmony of texture and taste that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, shredded): For convenience and rich flavor, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and brings the sautéed vegetables to life.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Offers an aromatic base and gentle sweetness.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds color and a fresh, peppery crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers a fragrant punch and depth of flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Helps create that silky, luscious sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): Brings earthy flavor and extra creaminess.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (10 oz can, like Rotel): Adds zip, tang, and a colorful kick.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): For smoky, subtle heat.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature warmth and Tex-Mex flair.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of spice to round everything out.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into gooey glory atop the casserole.
- Corn Tortillas (12, torn into pieces): The magic layers that soak up all the flavor and become irresistibly tender.
- Chopped Cilantro (for garnish, optional): Brings a burst of freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch casserole dish a good greasing. This will help ensure every bubbly, cheesy bit of your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe slides out beautifully when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper for about 5–6 minutes, or until they’re soft and just golden. Add in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute for that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Into the softened vegetables, stir in both cans of soup, the diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until a velvety, colorful sauce forms. At this point, add the shredded chicken and toss until it’s fully coated and ready for layering.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Scatter one-third of the torn corn tortillas over the bottom of your prepared dish, followed by a third of the creamy chicken mixture, and then a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat this process twice more, finishing with the last of the cheese for a beautiful golden top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe into the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. The cheese will be gloriously melted and just beginning to brown, with the edges bubbling away. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to set up for the perfect slice.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is a classic and brings brightness to every slice, but you could also add slices of avocado or a drizzle of sour cream for a little tang and extra color.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or Mexican-style rice. For a little crunch, serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa or guacamole to keep that Tex-Mex spirit alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the casserole into squares and serving on individual plates with a lime wedge, or scoop generous portions into bowls for a rustic family-style meal. Mini casseroles in ramekins turn this crowd favorite into an elegant party dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for satisfying lunches and last-minute dinners.
Freezing
If you love planning ahead, assemble the casserole right up to the baking stage, then wrap tightly and freeze. It’ll be ready for the oven when you need it, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Baked leftovers also freeze well for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating
To bring your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout (around 20–25 minutes). A microwave works in a pinch for individual portions, just add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas truly make this casserole special by soaking up the flavors without getting soggy, but if flour tortillas are all you have, go ahead—you’ll just end up with a slightly different, but still delicious texture.
Is this dish spicy?
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is comfortably mild thanks to the creaminess of the soups and cheese, but those diced tomatoes with green chiles add a subtle kick. If you want more heat, throw in a pinch of cayenne or top with jalapeños!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until baking—ideal for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Bake as directed when ready to enjoy.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
The simplest route is to use rotisserie chicken, but you can boil or roast chicken breasts and then shred them with two forks for equal parts juiciness and convenience.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
To make a meatless version, substitute the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, cooked black beans, or roasted veggies, and use all cream of mushroom soup. Every creamy, cheesy bite still tastes fabulous.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe enough—every creamy, cheesy forkful is packed with flavor and that special Tex-Mex comfort. Give it a try and you’ll see why it wins hearts at every table time and again!
Print
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Tex-Mex with this delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Layers of shredded chicken, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection between corn tortillas. A family-favorite easy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and shredded chicken. Combine well and remove from heat.
- Layer Casserole: In the prepared dish, layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese three times, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
