King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is a comforting dish made with layers of shredded chicken, creamy soup, sautéed vegetables and melted cheese all baked until golden and bubbly this classic Tex-Mex dish serves 6 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare.

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🧡 Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe:

Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
One-Pan Dish: Easy to assemble and clean up.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
Kid-Approved: A cheesy, flavorful dish loved by all ages.

❓ What Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is a beloved Tex-Mex dish featuring layers of chicken, creamy sauces, tortillas, and cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family meal.

🍗 Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

🍲 Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer one-third of the tortillas, followed by one-third of the chicken, sautéed vegetables, sauce mixture, and cheese.
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or jalapeños, if desired.

📍 Recipe Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
Custom Vegetables: Include corn, black beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
Cheese Choice: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
Tortilla Tip: Lightly toast tortillas to prevent them from becoming soggy.

🥗 What To Serve With King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole with fresh salads, Mexican rice, refried beans or a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

🎚 How To Store Leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Refrigerate: Store leftover king ranch chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap leftover king ranch chicken casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🥵 How To Reheat Leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) cover leftover king ranch chicken casserole with foil and heat for up 5 minutes or until heated through.
In The Microwave: Place leftover king ranch chicken casserole on a microwave-safe plate cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can King Ranch Chicken Casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be prepared ahead. Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy schedules or entertaining.

What is the origin of King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Despite its name, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is not directly associated with Texas’s famous King Ranch. It’s a beloved Tex-Mex recipe that likely gained its name to reflect its hearty, ranch-style qualities.

How do I prevent King Ranch Chicken Casserole from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, lightly toast the tortillas before layering them in the casserole. This helps maintain their texture during baking.

Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole spicy?

The spice level of King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be adjusted. Adding diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot sauce can increase the heat, while reducing these ingredients makes it milder.

Can I cook King Ranch Chicken Casserole in a slow cooker?

While traditionally baked, you can adapt King Ranch Chicken Casserole for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for King Ranch Chicken Casserole. It saves time and adds a rich flavor to the dish.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serveing

Calories: 403
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 900mg