The Zesty King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort food takes center stage with this king ranch chicken casserole that brings Texas-style flavors straight to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty spices create a mouthwatering experience.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this hearty dish for its bold and satisfying taste.

Tortillas add a delightful texture that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy filling.

Each bite delivers a warm, nostalgic embrace of southern cooking traditions.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eagerly anticipating this classic southwestern comfort meal.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible casserole.

Bringing King Ranch Casserole To The Table

• Southwestern Fiesta Plating: Serve on colorful ceramic plates with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant, authentic Mexican-inspired presentation.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add extra texture.
• Cool and Creamy Topping: Dollop with additional sour cream, fresh guacamole, or pico de gallo to cut through the casserole's richness and add a fresh, zesty element.
• Spice Level Boost: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for guests who want to kick up the heat and customize their dining experience.

Keeping King Ranch Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What is the origin of King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

The dish originated in Texas, named after the famous King Ranch, though it wasn’t actually created by the ranch. It’s a Tex-Mex style casserole that became popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient family meal.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains ingredients like cream of chicken soup and tortillas that typically contain gluten.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole: Comfort In Every Layer

• This King Ranch Chicken Casserole delivers a mouthwatering blend of cheesy, creamy goodness that transforms a simple dinner into a family celebration.
• Minimal chopping, straightforward layering, and simple ingredient mixing make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole adapts beautifully to different occasions and satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Easy to swap ingredients, add extra spice, or modify for dietary needs, this recipe welcomes creative cooking and personal culinary twists.

Everything You Need For King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein that provides substantial texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, melty goodness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and luxurious sauce.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Green Chiles: Provides a mild, tangy heat to the casserole.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder: Spices that build a complex and robust flavor profile.

• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas that add structure and traditional Tex-Mex character to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Stock: Liquid ingredients that contribute moisture and additional flavor.
• Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness.
• Cilantro: Optional garnish that provides fresh, herbal notes.

Tools That Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Easy

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables with perfect heat control.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Crucial for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Required for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Building King Ranch Chicken Casserole, One Layer At A Time

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Let them dance and soften for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chopped green chiles
• Chicken stock
• Sour cream
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder

Stir until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Merge Vegetables And Sauce

Combine the sautéed vegetables with the creamy sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Build First Layer

Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth base.

Step 6: Layer Chicken And Cheese

Add half the shredded chicken, cover with sauce, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Add Tortilla Base

Carefully arrange the first half of cut tortillas over the chicken layer.

Step 8: Continue Layering

Top tortillas with remaining chicken and another third of cheese.

Step 9: Complete Tortilla Layer

Cover with the remaining tortilla pieces.

Step 10: Final Sauce Application

Pour the remaining sauce evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 11: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle the final third of cheddar cheese over the entire dish.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for bubbly edges and a light golden cheese topping.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes.

Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot and delicious.

Tips For Creamy, Savory King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Lightly toast corn tortillas in a dry skillet before layering to maintain their texture and prevent becoming mushy in the casserole.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile and protein variation.
• Adjust the heat by using mild or hot green chiles, or add extra chili powder for more kick depending on your spice preference.
• Incorporate diced zucchini or spinach into the vegetable mixture to increase the dish's nutritional value without compromising taste.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

Casserole Variations For King Ranch Fans

• Vegetarian Southwest Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans and roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based version packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Substitute tortillas with thin cauliflower slices and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich southwestern taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut cream-based soups to create a creamy casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken casserole blends Texan comfort with creamy, zesty layers of tortillas, chicken, and cheese. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects you to southwestern culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, small diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, small diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, small diced
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) petite diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) chopped green chiles (do not drain)

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken stock (or broth)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 (5-inch) white corn tortillas, cut into 6ths
• Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and bell peppers until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Create a robust sauce by whisking together diced tomatoes, cream soups, green chiles, chicken stock, sour cream, and spices until thoroughly blended.
4. Incorporate the sautéed vegetables into the sauce mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
5. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Layer half of the shredded chicken across the sauce, then cover with another portion of sauce and sprinkle one-third of the cheddar cheese.
7. Arrange the first batch of tortilla pieces over the cheese layer, creating an even coverage.
8. Add the remaining chicken, followed by another third of the cheese.
9. Complete the layering with the second set of tortilla pieces.
10. Pour the remaining sauce evenly across the top of the casserole.
11. Generously sprinkle the final third of cheese over the entire dish.
12. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese develops a light golden hue.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting the amount of green chiles or adding jalapeños for extra spice lovers who want a kick.
• Swap Proteins easily by using turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the casserole versatile for different dietary needs.
• Reduce Sodium by selecting low-sodium cream soups and using homemade chicken stock, which helps control salt content without compromising flavor.
• Make Ahead friendly dish can be assembled completely, covered, and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep super convenient for busy families.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg