If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice, the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is your answer. This beloved Tex-Mex classic layers tender shredded chicken, a rich blend of cheeses, and a flavorful sauce packed with diced tomatoes and green chilies, all embraced by soft tortillas baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that satisfies every craving in one hearty, soul-warming casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the secret to nailing this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from building the sauce’s creamy base to delivering vibrant color and texture with sautéed veggies and melty cheese.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables until perfectly soft and flavorful.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite.
- Medium red bell pepper, diced: Contributes a subtle crunch and bright color to the mix.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, earthy undertone to the sauce.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Boosts the rich, savory flavor and smooth texture.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a juicy tang and depth to the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Balances the sauce with gentle seasoning and moisture.
- Diced green chilies: Injects subtle heat and authentic Tex-Mex flair.
- Chili powder: Provides warming spice that ties every flavor together.
- Garlic powder: Gives a savory kick to brighten the sauce.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein star that makes this casserole so satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey layers that crown the casserole.
- Medium tortillas (corn or flour): Soft layers that soak up sauce and provide structure.
- Chopped chives, for garnish: Brings a fresh, mild onion note to finish the dish.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until they’re tender and starting to caramelize. This soft veggie base brings incredible flavor and texture to your casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions and peppers with both soups, the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, diced green chilies, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything until it’s fully combined—this sauce is the heart of the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe, delivering creaminess with a wonderful spicy kick.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread about half a cup of the sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the shredded chicken over the sauce, then add two cups of sauce, one cup of cheese, and half of the tortillas (if you like, cut four of them in half for easier layering). Repeat the layers, making sure to finish off with sauce and cheese on top for that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the assembled casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want the casserole to bubble around the edges and the cheese melted and turning golden brown—this is when all those flavors meld into something truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Garnished
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle chopped chives over the top. This simple garnish adds a fresh pop of color and a mild onion note that complements the rich casserole perfectly.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives are a classic finishing touch that brightens every bite. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some sliced jalapenos if you prefer a little extra tang or heat. These add-ons keep the dish lively and personalized to your tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the creamy richness. For a Tex-Mex vibe, serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado and tomato salad to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe to a potluck, try baking it in individual ramekins for cute single servings. You could also top it with crushed tortilla chips just before baking for extra crunch or add sliced olives and fresh cilantro to the garnish for a flavor upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor. Reheat gently to preserve that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese if you want to refresh the topping and bring back that fresh melty magic.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and add it directly to the casserole layers for quick prep.
What type of tortillas should I use?
Both corn and flour tortillas are great options. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas offer a classic flavor and slightly firmer texture that holds up well in the casserole.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with beans or extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same to maintain that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Is the dish very spicy?
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe has a mild heat from the green chilies and chili powder, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the heat by using less chili powder or mild green chilies if you prefer it milder.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for bubbly sauce around the edges and melted, golden cheese on top. The casserole should be heated through and hot in the center, usually after 30 to 35 minutes at 375°F.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that’s both nostalgic and full of flair, the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole family ask for seconds and keeps comfortably in the fridge for easy meals ahead. Trust me, once you experience that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy layers warmed by tender chicken, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex classic featuring layers of tender chicken, creamy tomato-based sauce with chili spices, melty cheddar cheese, and soft tortillas baked until bubbly and golden. This hearty casserole blends savory and spicy flavors for an easy, crowd-pleasing family meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Protein and Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Carbohydrates
- 10 medium tortillas (corn or flour), 4 of them cut in half
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and bell pepper with both cans of condensed soups (cream of mushroom and cream of chicken), the undrained canned diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, diced green chilies, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about ½ cup of the sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Begin layering by adding half of the shredded cooked chicken, followed by 2 cups of the sauce, then 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the tortillas (placing the whole tortillas evenly). Repeat the layering with the remaining chicken, sauce, cheese, and the tortillas cut in half. Ensure the final layer is topped with the remaining sauce and cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has melted and turned a golden brown color.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped chives for a fresh, herbal note. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
Notes
- Use either corn or flour tortillas based on preference; both work well in this dish.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- For a spicier version, add extra diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and assembled the night before; just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
