Craving a hearty, creamy, and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings? The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex favorite, loaded with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a bit of spice to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and packed with flavor that everyone will love. So, stick around as we break down the steps to create the ultimate King Ranch Chicken Casserole that’s sure to impress!
What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Texas comfort food dish that combines layers of cooked chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy sauce with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Despite its name, there’s no direct connection to King Ranch (one of the largest ranches in Texas), but it’s likely named after the ranch due to its hearty, cowboy-approved nature. The dish brings together the best of Southern and Mexican flavors in one casserole, making it a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients List for King Ranch Chicken Casserole
To create the perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll need the following key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor in this dish:
Main Ingredients:
- Cooked Chicken: 4 cups, shredded (Rotisserie chicken works great)
- Corn Tortillas: 12 small (about 6-inch size)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (divided)
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (10 ounces) with green chilies
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): ¼ teaspoon, for added heat
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
These ingredients will ensure your casserole is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and plenty of cheesy goodness.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations to tailor the King Ranch Chicken Casserole to your taste or dietary preferences:
- Chicken: Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook them beforehand by baking, boiling, or poaching.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas give the dish its traditional Tex-Mex vibe, but you can substitute with flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a crunchier texture.
- Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are common, you can substitute with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack if you like a spicier kick.
- Canned Soup Alternatives: For a healthier or homemade twist, you can swap out the canned cream of mushroom and chicken soups with homemade versions or low-sodium options.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños, or tone it down by using mild diced tomatoes without green chilies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating a King Ranch Chicken Casserole from scratch is simpler than it looks! Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof dish every time.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 6 corn tortillas across the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the shredded chicken, half of the vegetable sauce mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Cook King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this section, we’ll recap the essential steps of cooking King Ranch Chicken Casserole:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and measure out all the ingredients before you start cooking. Pre-shred your chicken and chop your vegetables to make the cooking process smoother.
- Make the Sauce: The sauce, which includes the vegetables, soups, spices, and tomatoes, is what gives the dish its signature creamy and savory flavor. Be sure to sauté the vegetables until soft and fragrant.
- Layer the Ingredients: Alternating layers of tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
- Bake: Baking the casserole covered keeps it moist and allows the flavors to meld together. The uncovered bake at the end creates that irresistible cheesy topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sauté: Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables first. Raw onions and peppers won’t fully soften in the oven, leaving you with crunchy bits in your casserole.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, avoid cooking it for too long or too early. It can become dry and tough.
- Too Much Liquid: Avoid using too much broth or watery tomatoes, as this can result in a soupy casserole. You want a creamy, not watery, consistency.
- Burning the Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final baking stage. You want the cheese to melt and brown, but not burn.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve your King Ranch Chicken Casserole can elevate the experience, especially for special occasions or gatherings. Here are a few serving ideas:
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole:
- Portion Size: Slice the casserole into equal squares for neat serving.
- Side Dishes: Serve it with simple side dishes like a green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for King Ranch Chicken Casserole:
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Serving Dish: Use a colorful, rustic casserole dish to add some visual appeal when serving guests.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze It: This casserole freezes well! Freeze individual portions for easy meals later. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Spice It Up: If you love spicy food, don’t be shy—add jalapeños, extra cayenne, or even a bit of hot sauce into the sauce for extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, but keep in mind that flour tortillas can become mushy when layered with the creamy sauce. Corn tortillas hold up better, adding a bit of texture to the dish.
How long does King Ranch Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your canned soups are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that delivers layers of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal that brings together the best of Southern and Tex-Mex cuisine, this casserole won’t disappoint. With its creamy sauce, cheesy layers, and satisfying spice, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Now, get cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Texas classic!
PrintKing Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, Tex-Mex-inspired dish with shredded chicken, corn tortillas, cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and is easy to make in a single dish, making cleanup simple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in the soups, tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
- Layer half the torn tortillas in the prepared dish. Top with half of the shredded chicken, half of the sauce, and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and topping with cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add a can of black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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