Name: King Ranch Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Cooked, shredded chicken: 3 cups (use rotisserie chicken for convenience); Cream of mushroom soup: 10.5 oz can; Cream of chicken soup: 10.5 oz can; Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): 10 oz can; Chicken broth: 1 cup; Onion (chopped): 1 medium; Bell pepper (chopped, optional): 1 (adds color and crunch); Chili powder: 1 tablespoon; Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon; Cumin: 1 teaspoon; Cheddar cheese (shredded): 2 cups; Monterey Jack cheese (shredded): 2 cups; Corn tortillas (cut into quarters): 10-12; Salt and black pepper: To taste

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King Ranch Chicken is a true Texas classic—a comforting, cheesy, and savory casserole that has won over hearts and taste buds for generations. Layers of creamy chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a bold, flavorful sauce make this dish a standout at family gatherings, potlucks, or any dinner table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit your preferences. This is comfort food at its finest! Ready to learn how to make this iconic dish? Let’s dive into the full recipe, tips, and tricks to help you perfect King Ranch Chicken.

What is King Ranch Chicken?

King Ranch Chicken is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex-inspired casserole made with layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, and a rich sauce made from canned soups, tomatoes, and green chilies. Despite its name, the recipe is not directly associated with King Ranch in Texas, but it’s become a beloved dish across the state and beyond. The combination of flavors—tangy tomatoes, spicy green chilies, and creamy sauce—mixed with chicken and topped with gooey melted cheese makes this a dish that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients List for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

To make a delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients. These simple pantry staples come together to create a flavorful, hearty dish.

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts.
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup – For creaminess.
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Adds richness to the sauce.
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) – Provides a little tang and spice.
1 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and helps thin the sauce.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a slight sweetness and texture.
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional) – Adds color and crunch.
1 tablespoon chili powder – For Tex-Mex flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the dish.
1 teaspoon cumin – Brings out the earthy Tex-Mex flavor.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – For a cheesy top layer.
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Another layer of cheesy goodness.
10-12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters – Adds the perfect base for the casserole.
Salt and black pepper to taste – For seasoning.

Substitutions and Variations

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a flexible dish that can be adapted to your preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover chicken or cook chicken breasts or thighs yourself. You could also substitute cooked turkey, making this a great post-holiday dish.
Cream Soups: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade version by whisking together flour, butter, milk, and chicken broth to create a creamy base.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Tortillas: You can swap out corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, though corn tortillas hold up better in the casserole.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies. For more spice, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well in this casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple instructions to make your King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Chop the onions and bell pepper (if using).

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Set aside once done.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, start by spreading a small amount of the sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, layer half of the quartered corn tortillas across the bottom of the dish. Add half of the shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, and pour half of the sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat these layers one more time with the remaining ingredients: tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Once your King Ranch Chicken Casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

How to Cook King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown:

Cook or shred the chicken. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Sauté onions and peppers until soft.
Mix the sauce using cream soups, tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and spices.
Layer the casserole with tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overly Soggy Tortillas: To avoid soggy tortillas, be sure to layer them evenly and avoid oversaturating them with sauce. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can lightly fry the corn tortillas before layering them in the casserole.
Not seasoning properly: The soups and cheese provide salt, but you’ll still want to season the chicken and sauce properly to avoid a bland dish. Taste the sauce before layering to ensure it’s flavorful.
Using flour tortillas: Flour tortillas may become gummy when baked in this casserole. Stick to corn tortillas for the best texture.
Skipping the resting period: Letting the casserole rest after it comes out of the oven helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes. Here are a few ways to present and serve it:

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

Family-Style: Serve straight from the casserole dish at the dinner table. Let everyone dig in and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
Individual Portions: Scoop out portions of the casserole and serve with a garnish of chopped cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for a fresh finish.

Presentation Ideas for King Ranch Chicken:

Fresh Garnishes: Brighten the dish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Toppings: Offer toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side for an extra layer of flavor.
Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Freezing: King Ranch Chicken freezes well. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Crispy Tortilla Hack: For extra texture, lightly fry the corn tortillas in a bit of oil before layering them into the casserole. This prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a little crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make King Ranch Chicken without canned soups?

Yes! You can easily make a homemade cream sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a roux, then slowly adding chicken broth and milk until thickened.

What can I serve with King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Serve it with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, black beans, or tortilla chips. You can also add toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas are recommended because they hold up better during baking, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.

Is this casserole spicy?

The level of spice will depend on the diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) you use. You can opt for mild, medium, or hot varieties depending on your spice tolerance.

Conclusion

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with Tex-Mex flavors that are hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. This dish is simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for making ahead or freezing for later. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to dig into this iconic Texas dish! Enjoy!