Zesty King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this legendary King Ranch chicken casserole that captures the heart of texas cuisine.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tortillas create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Ranch-style spices dance through each bite, promising a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending southwestern charm with pure deliciousness.

Tex-Mex lovers will swoon over the rich, bubbling casserole that emerges golden and crispy from the oven.

Bold, satisfying, and packed with robust flavor, this recipe stands ready to become your new dinner favorite.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible culinary masterpiece that brings comfort to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Corn Tortillas: Adds delightful texture and traditional Southwestern foundation, choose soft, fresh tortillas without cracks.
• Flour Tortillas: Provides alternative base with softer consistency, select plump and flexible tortillas.

• Chicken: Hearty protein centerpiece, use rotisserie or freshly cooked shredded chicken for maximum flavor.
• Bell Pepper: Brings vibrant color and sweet crunch, select firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Onion: Delivers aromatic depth and savory undertone, pick firm onions without soft spots.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, creamy binding element, choose low-sodium version for better control.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces zesty southwestern kick, select original blend for balanced heat.
• Sour Cream: Adds smooth, tangy richness, opt for full-fat version for better texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor, select sharp or extra-sharp for robust taste.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Infuse authentic southwestern spice profile, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.

Tools for Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing bell peppers and onions with rich, even heat.
• 13- x 9-inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering tortillas and creating a hearty casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Chef's knife: Great for chopping bell peppers and onions with clean, quick cuts.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for ingredient preparation.

Cooking Directions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Veggie Sizzle

Warm up a large skillet and let bell peppers and onions dance around until they’re soft and fragrant. The kitchen will smell amazing as these colorful vegetables release their sweet aroma.

• Chicken Magic

Introduce shredded chicken to the skillet and blend in a medley of zesty seasonings. The flavors will start to mingle and create a rich, comforting base for your casserole.

• Tortilla Foundation

Create a cozy layer of torn tortillas across the bottom of your baking dish. These will soak up all the delicious juices and create a hearty texture.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the casserole into a warm oven and let the magic happen. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden dish that’s pure comfort on a plate. The edges will crisp up beautifully, and the entire kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Tips & Swaps for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Swap chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or ground beef for a delicious twist on the classic casserole.
• Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring extra heat and bold southwestern flavor to the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a sharp cheddar to create unique taste profiles.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Ways to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Serve with Fresh Salsa: Spoon bright, zesty salsa over the hot casserole to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Pair with Cool Sour Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of creamy sour cream to balance the spicy flavors and provide a smooth, cooling effect.
• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a crisp, fresh burst of color and a mild oniony kick that elevates the overall taste.
• Create a Side Salad: Complement the hearty casserole with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

Keeping King Ranch Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
• Maintain Quality: Let the casserole cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain its delicious texture and flavor.

Hearty King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken casserole delivers a hearty Texan comfort meal with layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Southwestern spices and melted cheese create a satisfying dinner that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 12 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 2 pinches garlic powder
• 2 pinches ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, transform bell peppers and onions into a tender, translucent medley by cooking for 4-5 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Protein Integration: Merge shredded chicken with the sautéed vegetables, combining cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and robust seasonings into a harmonious, savory filling.
4. Layering Foundation: Construct the base of the casserole by artfully arranging torn tortilla pieces across the entire surface of the greased baking dish, creating a sturdy foundation.
5. Filling Distribution: Cascade the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
6. Cheese Crowning: Blanket the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese, promising a molten, golden-brown crust that will transform during baking.
7. Baking Transformation: Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, slightly crisp golden masterpiece.
8. Resting and Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the layers to settle and making it easier to slice and serve this comforting dish.

Notes

• Tortilla Selection: Choose corn tortillas for authentic Tex-Mex flavor and better texture that holds up during baking.
• Moisture Management: Pat chicken and vegetables dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole soggy.
• Cheese Layering: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for deeper, more complex cheese flavor and optimal melting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience and enhanced flavor melding.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg