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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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