Name: Irresistible King Ranch Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Irresistible King Ranch Chicken: A Flavorful Delight Recipe

This delicious casserole brings together simple, staple ingredients into a rich and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and satisfying combination of textures, King Ranch Chicken delivers big Tex-Mex taste with minimal effort. It’s versatile, easy to prepare ahead of time, and makes great leftovers — everything you want in a home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken (cooked and shredded)
cream of chicken soup
cream of mushroom soup
diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
corn tortillas or tortilla chips
bell pepper (chopped)
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
chili powder
cumin
shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
chicken broth (optional)
salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and mix until well coated.
Place a layer of torn corn tortillas or chips in the bottom of the dish. Cover with half of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake for about 30–45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes before cutting and serving hot.

Servings and timing

Typically serves 6–8 people depending on portion size.
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: 45–65 minutes

Variations

• Spicier version: Add diced jalapeños, extra green chiles, or cayenne pepper for heat.
• One-pot skillet adaptation: Skip the casserole dish and cook the chicken mixture in a skillet, then top with tortillas and cheese to melt.
• Vegetarian take: Substitute chicken with black beans, mixed vegetables, or plant-based chicken.
• Healthy twist: Use low-fat soups, extra vegetables, and whole-wheat tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Freezing: Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

What is King Ranch Chicken?

King Ranch Chicken is a classic Tex-Mex casserole made with layers of shredded chicken, creamy soups, tomatoes with green chiles, tortillas (or chips), and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely — leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but tortilla chips or flour tortillas work well too.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but you can easily increase the heat to suit your taste.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes — use gluten-free soups and tortillas to make a gluten-free version.

How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños to boost the veggie content.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully in this casserole.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cheese and creamy soup alternatives.

How do I prevent soggy tortillas?

Tearing tortillas into pieces and layering them evenly helps absorb sauce without getting soggy.

Conclusion

King Ranch Chicken is a beloved and satisfying Tex-Mex casserole that brings bold flavors and comforting layers to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this cheesy, creamy, and versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With simple ingredients and plenty of room for personalization, it’s easy to make your own spin on this classic.