Why You’ll Love King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy soups, tomatoes with green chilies, and melted cheese creates a bold, savory dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.
It’s also wonderfully simple to prepare. Using cooked chicken and pantry-friendly ingredients keeps prep time short and stress-free. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup easy.
Another reason to love this casserole is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level, change up the cheese, or add extra vegetables to make it your own. It’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe that works for weeknights and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked shredded chicken
corn tortillas
cream of chicken soup
cream of mushroom soup
diced tomatoes with green chilies
chicken broth
yellow onion, diced
green bell pepper, diced
garlic, minced
chili powder
ground cumin
salt
black pepper
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until fully combined and heated through.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir until evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat.
Cut the corn tortillas into halves or quarters to make layering easier.
Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortillas, followed by more chicken mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
You can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time in the kitchen.
Try using pepper jack cheese for extra heat or Colby Jack for a milder, creamy flavor.
Add black beans, corn, or even diced zucchini to the filling for additional texture and nutrition.
For a lighter option, use reduced-fat soups and cheese without sacrificing flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat individual portions, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
To reheat a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly.
This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What type of chicken should I use?
Any cooked, shredded chicken works well, including chicken breast, thighs, or rotisserie chicken.
Can I make it without canned soups?
Yes, you can replace the canned soups with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies and reduce the chili powder to suit your taste.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the tortillas before layering can help reduce excess moisture.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but you can experiment with Colby Jack or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, black beans, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted, the edges are bubbling, and the center is hot throughout.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two separate 9×13-inch dishes for best results.
Conclusion
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy textures with bold Tex-Mex taste. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dependable recipe that’s sure to become a regular favorite at your dinner table. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, every bite delivers satisfying warmth and rich, cheesy goodness.
