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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheese Crowning: Blanket the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese, promising a molten, golden-brown crust that will transform during baking.
- 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.
- 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