Scrumptious King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

In my kitchen, this hearty king ranch chicken casserole always sparks smiles and comfort.

Memories of texas gatherings flood back with each cheesy, creamy bite.

Layered tortillas and tender chicken create a symphony of southwestern flavors that dance across your plate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending rich ingredients into a crowd-pleasing marvel.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers pure satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new favorite meal that everyone will request again and again.

Let’s uncover the delicious magic waiting to happen in your oven.

Why King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Is A Winner

• Whip Up Comfort: This King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings pure comfort food magic in one easy-to-make dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Speed Through Dinner: Prepare this delicious meal in just 45 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and a zesty blend of spices, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy family members of all ages.
• Simple Ingredient Symphony: Uses pantry staples and readily available ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal culinary expertise.

What You Need For King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Protein: – Chicken: Tender and juicy base protein for the casserole, preferably shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.

• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas provide layers and texture. Corn tortillas offer more traditional Tex-Mex flavor.

Sauce Components: – Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich, creamy base that binds all ingredients together. Look for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds zesty flavor and moisture. Rotel brand is a popular choice for extra kick.

Cheese and Dairy: – Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar provides rich flavor and golden top. Sharp varieties offer more intense taste.

Seasoning and Aromatics: – Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and slight crunch. Fresh produce provides better flavor than frozen.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that gives characteristic Tex-Mex flavor profile. Use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.

Additional Components: – Cooking Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.

How To Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray. Switch on the oven and dial the temperature to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aroma (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir gently and let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to mingle and warm through.

Step 4: Construct Layered Masterpiece

In the prepared baking dish, create delicious layers:

• Torn corn tortilla pieces
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Half of the sauce mixture
• Sprinkle of shredded cheese

Repeat the layers, ending with a generous cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble with excitement.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Cut into hearty portions and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Texan-inspired dish.

Tips For King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and pepper quantity to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Healthier Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the casserole's delicious texture intact.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use dairy-free cream soups to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime stress-free.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead dinner solution.

How To Store King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious texture.
• Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for convenient future meals – it keeps wonderfully in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and helping the casserole retain its original mouthwatering taste and creamy consistency.

What To Serve With King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Mix fresh lime juice, tequila, and a splash of orange liqueur to complement the casserole's spicy Tex-Mex flavors. The citrusy cocktail cuts through the rich, cheesy dish perfectly.
• Southwest Salad Sidekick: Toss crisp romaine with black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing. This fresh, light side balances the hearty casserole and adds extra nutrition.
• Cool Down with Crisp Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, jalapeños, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing. The crunchy, cool texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Mexican Beer Boost: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo with a lime wedge. The light, refreshing beer cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, spicy casserole.

Tasty Spins On King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Sizzler: Amp up the heat by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Delight: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and diced zucchini. Use vegetable broth-based soups to maintain the rich, creamy texture.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Swap chicken for lump crab meat or shrimp. Add a splash of Old Bay seasoning and use a blend of monterey jack and parmesan cheeses for a coastal-inspired version.
• Tex-Mex Ranch Fusion: Incorporate taco-seasoned ground beef, add sliced black olives, and top with crumbled queso fresco. Serve with fresh salsa and sour cream on the side for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs

• What makes King Ranch Chicken Casserole a Texas classic?

This dish originated in Texas and became popular in the 1950s, named after the famous King Ranch. It combines Tex-Mex flavors with comfort food, blending shredded chicken, tortillas, and a creamy sauce that represents the state’s culinary heritage.

• Is this casserole spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the diced tomatoes with chilies and chili powder. If you prefer less spice, you can use regular diced tomatoes or reduce the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional and work best for this recipe. They provide an authentic Tex-Mex flavor and hold up well in the casserole. Flour tortillas can become soggy, so stick with corn for the best texture.

• What are some key ingredients that give this casserole its unique flavor?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chilies, and a blend of spices like chili powder and garlic powder create the signature rich and tangy taste that makes King Ranch Chicken Casserole so delicious.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings Texan comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of spicy, cheesy goodness. Creamy tortillas, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a southwestern classic that satisfies hungry families and delights gathering friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 10 ounces (283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

Tortillas:

• 12 corn tortillas, quartered

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary canvas by warming the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and gently coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective layer of grease.
2. Transform a skillet into a flavor hub by drizzling oil and introducing chopped onions and bell peppers. Coax these vibrant vegetables into a tender submission, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce by melding cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, zesty diced tomatoes with chilies, and a harmonious blend of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer and intermingle, creating a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
4. Construct the casserole like an architectural masterpiece: lay a foundation of tortilla pieces, then generously crown with shredded chicken, lavish sauce, and a cascading layer of cheese. Repeat this architectural layering, building depth and complexity with each stratum.
5. Enrobe the casserole in foil, allowing it to bake in the oven’s warm embrace for 30 minutes. Then, unveil its potential by removing the foil, permitting the top to transform into a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Exercise patience by allowing the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, enabling it to collect its thoughts and set into a more manageable form before serving.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the type and amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
• Swap traditional tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat soups, reduced-fat cheese, and skinless chicken breast, without compromising the rich, comforting flavor.
• Prep ahead by cooking chicken and chopping vegetables the day before, making weeknight dinner assembly quick and stress-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg