Name: King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 green 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 (like Rotel); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 10 corn tortillas, cut into strips; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Layered with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a medley of creamy, zesty flavors tucked between strips of corn tortillas, this casserole is pure Tex-Mex heartiness in one dish. Each bite delivers a warm, satisfying hug, and the recipe comes together with everyday ingredients and minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan, this is a classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a great King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is how it transforms simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into something unforgettable. Each item here brings its own special touch, uniting for an explosion of flavor, texture, and irresistible Tex-Mex flair.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the veggies to golden perfection.
Onion: Lends a mellow sweetness and savory aroma that forms the essence of the casserole base.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds beautiful color and a subtle crunch for contrast.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with an extra layer of aromatic depth.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers creamy, savory undertones that bind everything together.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds more richness and an earthiness that balances out the other flavors.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Rotel): Brings tangy tomato flavor and a gentle, spicy kick.
Sour Cream: Gives the sauce a silky texture and just the right touch of tang.
Chili Powder: Infuses Tex-Mex warmth and smokiness.
Cumin: Adds a whisper of earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
Shredded Chicken: The star protein that makes every bite hearty and filling—rotisserie chicken works wonders here.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into glorious, gooey ribbons, making each bite crave-worthy.
Corn Tortillas: Their subtle sweetness and structure soak up the sauce while adding Tex-Mex authenticity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for dialing in the perfect balance of all the flavors.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): Gives a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish—totally optional, but delightful.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for bubbling, cheesy goodness later. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and builds a savory, mouthwatering aroma that’ll have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Step 2: Stir Up the Creamy Sauce

Add both cans of condensed soups (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), plus the diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything together until smooth and unified, then sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. The creaminess and zesty pops of flavor will soon tie the whole King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe together.

Step 3: Combine with Shredded Chicken

Fold the cooked, shredded chicken into your creamy, aromatic sauce. Make sure every bit of chicken is fully coated so every bite is bursting with flavor. This is a great time to taste and adjust for seasoning!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Take your 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter a third of the tortilla strips onto the bottom. Top with a third of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with a third of the cheddar cheese. Repeat this process two more times, finishing with a lavish layer of cheese right on top for that bubbly, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the casserole, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and gloriously golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers can set—then get ready to dig in!

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle your finished King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe with chopped fresh cilantro right before serving. Sliced green onions, diced avocado, or even a dollop of extra sour cream add layers of flavor and make every plate pop. If you like heat, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño work wonders.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with sides that play off the dish’s Tex-Mex vibes. Classic refried beans, lime-cilantro rice, or a crisp romaine salad with creamy avocado all pair beautifully. Even a simple bowl of tortilla chips with homemade salsa makes for a fun and easy accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving the casserole at a potluck or party, try scooping small portions into ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also cut the cooled casserole into squares and serve them neatly on a platter, garnished with colorful veggies or fresh herbs. Let guests drizzle on their favorite hot sauce for a customizable finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover any leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—the flavors only meld and deepen with time, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to compensate for the chill.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the whole casserole with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty finish.

FAQs

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the full casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as instructed—perfect for busy weeknights or prepping for a gathering.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for speed and flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken (poached, roasted, or grilled) works well. Just be sure to shred or chop it finely so it disperses evenly throughout the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole spicier?

Definitely! For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right into the sauce mixture. Fire-roasted tomatoes with chilies will also give the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe more heat.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up best in the sauce, but if you prefer the texture or flavor of flour tortillas, they’re a fine substitute. Just remember, flour tortillas will have a softer, slightly chewier bite.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the portion you’re reheating with foil to trap moisture, and bake in a moderate oven until just heated through. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a tablespoon of chicken broth or a little extra sour cream on top before reheating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe—it brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to any table. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this Tex-Mex classic never disappoints. Give it a try, make it your own, and let the delicious layers speak for themselves!

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Layers of tender chicken, creamy soups, and gooey cheese are baked to perfection, creating a hearty and satisfying meal for your family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 green 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 (like Rotel)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 corn tortillas, cut into strips
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro, optional for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Add shredded chicken and mix well.
Layer Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and cheese three times, ending with cheese on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.