King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Craving a hearty, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s full of flavor? King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic Tex-Mex dish that layers tender shredded chicken, tortillas, and a rich, spicy, creamy sauce, all topped with melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something warm and comforting. Stick around for the full recipe and tips to make it your go-to casserole!

this Recipe

---

What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex casserole that combines layers of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, a creamy, flavorful sauce (made from a mix of canned soups, tomatoes, chilies, and spices), and plenty of cheese. Despite its name, there is no known connection to the famous King Ranch in Texas, but it’s likely named after it due to the dish's hearty, ranch-friendly appeal. This casserole is comforting, cheesy, and loaded with rich flavors that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients List for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and creamy casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1. Cooked Chicken: 4 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
2. Corn Tortillas: 12 small (about 6-inch size)
3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (divided)
4. Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup
5. Butter: 3 tablespoons
6. Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
7. Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
8. Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
9. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
10. Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: 1 can (10 ounces, undrained)
11. Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
12. Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
13. Chicken Broth: ½ cup
14. Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
15. Cumin: 1 teaspoon
16. Salt and Pepper: To taste
17. Fresh Cilantro: Optional, for garnish

---

Substitutions and Variations

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is flexible, and you can adapt it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:

1. Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy, but you can use baked or boiled chicken breasts or thighs instead.
2. Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and help the casserole hold up without getting soggy, but you can use flour tortillas or tortilla chips if you prefer.
3. Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but you can mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
4. Canned Soups: You can substitute the canned soups with homemade cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups for a more from-scratch flavor.
5. Spicier Version: If you like things spicy, add diced jalapeños, more chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
6. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless meal.
7. Lower Calorie Version: Swap out the regular sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or low-fat versions to reduce the calorie content.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and flavorful King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Combine Soups: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer 6 corn tortillas over the sauce (you can tear them in half to fit better).
   • Add half of the shredded chicken on top of the tortillas.
   • Pour half of the remaining sauce over the chicken.
   • Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
   • Repeat with another layer of tortillas, chicken, sauce, and the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest

1. Cool: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

---

How to Cook King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary to help you get started on making King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes until soft.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Combine the cooked veggies with the soups, broth, and spices to make the sauce.
3. Layer the Casserole: Layer tortillas, shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Bake: Bake until golden and bubbly, then let the casserole rest before serving.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Sauté Step: Sautéing the onions and peppers is key to releasing their natural sweetness and flavor. Skipping this step will leave your casserole lacking depth.
2. Using Too Many Tortillas: Overloading on tortillas can make the casserole too dense and soggy. Stick to two layers for the best balance.
3. Not Draining the Tomatoes: Be sure to add the tomatoes with their juices, but if your tomatoes are too watery, your casserole may be too liquidy. If this happens, you can simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken it.
4. Not Letting It Rest: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking so the cheese and sauce can set, making it easier to slice and serve.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• Portions: Slice the casserole into squares or scoop out servings with a large spoon.
• Side Dishes: Serve this rich casserole with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, or chips and salsa to round out the meal.

---

Presentation Ideas for King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• Garnish: Add freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado on top to add color and freshness.
• Serving Dish: Use a colorful or rustic baking dish to make the presentation pop, especially for gatherings or potlucks.

---

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. When baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that flour tortillas may become soggier than corn tortillas. Corn tortillas hold up better to the creamy sauce, giving the casserole a better texture.

How long does King Ranch Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?

The casserole will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats well in both the microwave and oven.

Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, make sure to thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Pair it with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, a simple side salad, or chips and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

---

Conclusion

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with creamy, cheesy, and flavorful layers. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a crowd, making it ahead for a busy weeknight, or bringing it to a potluck, this classic Tex-Mex casserole is sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll have a rich and delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking this comforting, flavorful classic!

Print