Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience—this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese in a dreamy, creamy sauce, all layered between soft corn tortillas. With classic Tex-Mex flavors and just the right amount of spice, this casserole has a special way of gathering everyone around the table with excitement. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy dinner, you’ll find this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe to be pure joy in a baking dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its down-to-earth ingredients, each bringing something wonderful to the dish. Don’t skip any of them! Every item here—from the hearty chicken to the melty cheese—plays an important role in the taste, texture, and colorful appeal of your casserole.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and saves time!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness while ensuring the veggies cook up tender and glossy.
- Medium onion (chopped): Gives mellow sweetness and depth to the casserole base.
- Green bell pepper (chopped): Lends a grassy bite and pops of bright color.
- Red bell pepper (chopped): Brings sweetness and makes the casserole extra vibrant.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a bit transforms the whole flavor of the dish.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Forms a seriously creamy, satisfying sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds earthy flavor and silkiness to the filling.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, drained): Provides tang, heat, and Tex-Mex magic.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): The main spice for that signature King Ranch zing.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a whiff of smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings everything together and enhances overall flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and aromatic undertone.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into golden perfection; don’t skimp!
- Corn tortillas (10 small, cut into quarters): They soak up flavor and provide that classic King Ranch texture—tender yet substantial.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional): For a burst of freshness and color just before serving.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Set the tone by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven means your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe will come out bubbly and perfectly golden on top.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your chopped onion and both types of bell peppers, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook just until everything smells incredible—about a minute more. This step builds flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine your sautéed veggies with shredded chicken, both soups, tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Everything should look and smell deliciously creamy and colorful.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of your quartered corn tortillas on the bottom; this forms the soft, flavorful foundation of your casserole. Spoon half the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of the remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your casserole onto the center rack and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden top and a heavenly aroma coming from the oven. Let it rest for at least 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps it set so you can scoop perfect slices.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh cilantro right before serving gives your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe a pop of green and a lively, herbal note. You could also add extra chopped jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or crumbled tortilla chips for crunch if you like things fun and festive.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, so simple sides work best. Try a light salad with avocado or a scoop of Spanish rice to make things extra satisfying. Warm refried beans or a bright corn salad also pair perfectly and provide a true Tex-Mex experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a playful twist. Or spoon it onto a mound of fluffy rice, then garnish with sliced avocado and lime wedges for a showstopping presentation. Leftovers also make fantastic wraps or filling for stuffed bell peppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors get even cozier as they meld together, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but stop before baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for a quick lunch or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks a little dry, and always garnish fresh after warming up.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
You can, but corn tortillas give the most traditional taste and texture. Flour tortillas may become a bit gummy, but if that’s your preference, they’ll work in a pinch.
Is the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe spicy?
It has gentle heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder, but it’s more flavorful than spicy. You can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like an extra kick.
What’s the best chicken to use for this casserole?
Rotisserie chicken is a real timesaver and adds great flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken will do—leftovers or even poached chicken breasts work well.
Can I make the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake right before you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your soups and tortillas are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a comforting, gluten-free King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that really feels like home, you can’t go wrong with this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s cheesy, soulful, and just the ticket for family dinners or potluck triumphs. Go ahead—gather your crew, and dig in!
Print
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite that combines tender shredded chicken with flavorful bell peppers, creamy soups, and gooey cheddar cheese, all layered between corn tortillas for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 red 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 (divided)
- 10 small corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix sautéed vegetables with shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Layer casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the tortilla pieces on the bottom. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then repeat layers. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
