Get ready to experience pure comfort and bold Tex-Mex flavor with this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe! Packed with tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and the unmistakable zing of green chiles, this casserole is everything you want in a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, taking a dish to a potluck, or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this tried-and-true classic is simple to prepare and always irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its approachable, pantry-friendly ingredients, each adding their own unique flair. From the colorful veggies to the luscious cheeses, every component helps build the layers of savory, creamy goodness that make this dish such a hit.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tons of flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken works beautifully.
- Butter: Gives the onions and peppers a rich, buttery backdrop that enhances every bite.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and just the right touch of savory depth.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly grassy crunch and beautiful green color.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves deliver wonderful aromatic warmth.
- Cream of chicken soup: Forms the creamy base while adding a savory chicken richness.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Doubles down on silky texture and earthiness.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel): The Tex-Mex secret—zippy, tangy, and a little spicy!
- Chili powder: Infuses the dish with classic Southwestern flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds smoky undertones that give every bite depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets all the other flavors shine.
- Corn tortillas: Their texture holds up perfectly as the casserole bakes and soaks up the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, sharp cheesy pull on top.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a lovely melt.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A handful at the end adds color and a pop of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Set a large skillet over medium heat, then melt your butter until it begins to bubble. Toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper—watch as they sizzle and fill your kitchen with the scent of something delicious in the making! Cook them for about five minutes until softened, then add in the minced garlic. That minute with the garlic will transform the entire base of your casserole.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
With your vegetables softened and aromatic, it’s time to introduce those pantry heroes: cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Stir them in, then add the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (juice and all!), chili powder, cumin, plus salt and pepper. Mix it all together until the sauce looks creamy, slightly rosy, and everything is warmed through. This sauce is the soul of the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and start the fun part: layering. Scatter half of the tortilla quarters evenly on the bottom—they’ll form the sturdy foundation you need. Top with half of your shredded chicken, then spoon on half of that dreamy sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat those layers once more: tortillas, chicken, sauce, and all the rest of the cheese. You’re building flavor and texture with every layer!
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into your waiting oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld and warm through. Then, for the part everyone loves: remove the foil and bake uncovered another 10 minutes, letting that golden cheesy magic happen. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just a little golden in spots.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Pull your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe from the oven and, if you like, shower the top with chopped fresh cilantro. The pop of green isn’t just pretty—it’s a final burst of freshness that makes every serving taste restaurant-worthy. Let the casserole set for a few minutes before serving, so the layers hold together perfectly.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro gives your casserole a welcome herbal lift, but feel free to get creative. Thin-sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or even a scattering of sliced green onions work beautifully. Each finishing touch adds a burst of flavor and color that’ll make your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe even more inviting.
Side Dishes
For a classic Tex-Mex meal, serve your casserole with a side of warm Spanish rice or fluffy cilantro-lime rice. A crisp green salad, perhaps dressed with lime vinaigrette, helps balance out the creamy richness. Warm black beans or refried beans are always welcome, while buttered corn on the cob makes dinner feel like a real celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling the casserole in individual ramekins for fun, personal-sized servings—perfect for parties or family dinners where everyone loves their own little dish. You can also garnish each portion with avocado slices, or serve with a DIY toppings bar so everyone can add their favorite extras. This flexibility is what makes this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe a go-to for gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps like a champ! Once cooled, cover with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your lunch or next-day dinner truly crave-worthy.
Freezing
Looking to stock your freezer? Assemble the casserole fully but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen at 350°F (adding a bit more time) or thaw overnight in the fridge. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks or a welcoming gesture for a friend in need.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which keeps everything melty and the tortillas from drying out. For single servings, a microwave works well—just cover to trap moisture and give it a gentle heat, stirring halfway through if you can. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to bring back any lost creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are traditional and hold up beautifully, flour tortillas can be used in a pinch. Just know the texture will be a touch softer, but the result is equally delicious.
Is there a way to make the casserole spicier?
Absolutely! Double the diced tomatoes with green chiles, add chopped jalapeños, or mix in a little chipotle powder along with the spices to really turn up the heat.
Can I assemble the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes it a wonderful plan-ahead option for busy nights or when entertaining.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
If you have a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, toss your cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low for 20 seconds. Otherwise, two forks do the trick just fine—be sure the chicken is still warm for the easiest shredding.
Can I make this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just use gluten-free cream soups and double-check your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free. With those simple swaps, everyone can enjoy a delicious, worry-free meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with just the right amount of Tex-Mex flair, give this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and sure to put a smile on every face at the table—so gather your ingredients and get ready for a true classic you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex dish, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic recipe that layers tender chicken, creamy soups, cheese, and tortillas for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Prepare sauce: Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
- Layer ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortilla quarters, chicken, sauce, and cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked later.
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
