King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and layers of flavor. It’s a comforting meal that warms you up on chilly nights and reminds you of cozy family dinners.
This recipe addresses issues of blandness and lack of texture that can arise in traditional casseroles, ensuring a flavorful meal everyone will enjoy.
One issue I often face with similar casseroles is that they can turn out too dry or bland. After trying countless recipes, I’ve crafted a dish that avoids those pitfalls, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The combination of creamy soups and spices creates a satisfying experience that friends and family love.
This casserole comes together quickly in just under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or surprise guests. The layers of tortillas and melted cheese provide a delightful texture, while the warm, spicy filling makes for a dish everyone will appreciate.
If you’re looking for something easy yet tasty, check out my recipe for Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole for another comforting favorite!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Base , The blend of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups creates a luscious filling that delivers comfort with every spoonful. You’ll enjoy the smooth consistency that melds beautifully with the spices.
- Layered Goodness , With corn tortillas forming the backbone of the dish, each layer delivers a delightful texture. They soak up flavors while maintaining just the right amount of bite, making each serving satisfying.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner , Ready in just 45 minutes, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy evenings. You’ll appreciate a hearty meal that’s on the table in no time, allowing you to relax after a long day.
- Kid-Friendly Spice , The mild heat from chili powder and Rotel keeps the entire family in mind, making this dish enjoyable for both adults and kids. It’s a great way to introduce some flavor without overwhelming young taste buds.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole for Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole , layered corn tortillas with creamy soups, rotisserie chicken, diced tomatoes with chiles, and cheddar. A hearty gluten-free baked dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
-
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 ounce / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce / 298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
- 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups (about 226 g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Heat the Skillet: Warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. This ensures even softening of vegetables without burning.
- Step 3: Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens but still retains some texture.
- Step 4: Add Garlic Wisely: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will impart bitterness.
- Step 5: Mix Filling Ingredients: Add both cans of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, shredded chicken, chili powder (1 teaspoon), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
- Step 6: Layer the Tortillas: Place 5 corn tortillas flat on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tear one tortilla as needed to fill gaps so the bottom layer is even and well covered.
- Step 7: Start Layering: Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining 5 tortillas and the rest of the chicken mixture, then finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 8: Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be fully melted and the filling to be bubbling around the edges. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes to firm up before slicing and serving. Optionally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor.
Notes
-
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from heat sources.
- Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Expert Tip: If vegetables brown too fast during sautéing, lower the heat slightly to keep them tender and flavorful.
- Expert Tip: To prevent tortillas from tearing during layering, microwave them for 10-15 seconds beforehand to make them more pliable.
- Expert Tip: Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking if cheese is not melting evenly for better melting and bubbling.
- Expert Tip: For a milder heat, reduce chili powder to ½ teaspoon when mixing the filling.
- Expert Tip: To avoid a soggy bottom layer, pre-bake tortillas in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes before assembly.
- Expert Tip: If the casserole seems dry after baking, pour ¼ cup of chicken broth over the top and return it to the oven for 5 minutes.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat refrigerated leftovers thoroughly in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil if cheese starts to brown too fast.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole with gluten-free cornbread or a fresh garden salad. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or additional bell peppers complement the dish well.
- Serving Suggestions: Add a garnish of homemade salsa, avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors.
- Recipe Variation: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly milder flavor.
- Recipe Variation: Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder cheese taste.
- Recipe Variation: For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add cooked beans or sautéed mushrooms, ensuring to adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Ingredient Note: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and moisture retention.
- Ingredient Note: Select fresh and vibrant bell peppers for sweetness and crunch; avoid overripe soft peppers.
- Ingredient Note: Choose sharp or medium cheddar cheese and grate it for even melting. Monterey Jack cheese is an option for a milder finish.
- Ingredient Note: Opt for diced tomatoes with green chiles like Rotel for acidity and spice; this adds moisture and flavor depth.
- Ingredient Note: Corn tortillas must be sturdy enough to hold up in baking; warming them slightly before layering reduces tearing.
- Ingredient Note: Use yellow onions for balanced sweetness; white or red onions can be used for sharper flavors.
- Ingredient Note: Fresh garlic releases the best flavor when minced finely or pressed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick, easy option. It keeps the dish moist and flavorful, saving you time in the kitchen!
- Cream of mushroom soup: Look for a hearty, well-seasoned version. This adds creaminess and richness. You can substitute with cream of chicken if needed.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Opt for a diced variety that includes chilies for an extra kick. This contributes both flavor and moisture to the casserole.
- Cheddar cheese: Choose sharp or medium cheddar to enhance the dish’s flavor. Grate your cheese for even melting. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use Monterey Jack!
- Tortilla chips: Go for sturdy corn tortilla chips that hold up well in baking. They create a great crunchy texture. You can use crushed tortilla chips for a different texture.
- Bell peppers: Select vibrant, fresh peppers for sweetness and color. They add a nice crunch and layer of flavor. Avoid overripe peppers to ensure they’re firm and crisp.
- Onion: A yellow onion works well for its balanced sweetness. Sautéed beforehand, it deepens the flavors in the casserole. White or red onions can be used if you like a sharper taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It enhances the overall flavor profile. Use a garlic press or finely chop it to release its oils effectively.
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick, easy option. It keeps the dish moist and flavorful, saving you time in the kitchen!
- Cream of mushroom soup: Look for a hearty, well-seasoned version. This adds creaminess and richness. You can substitute with cream of chicken if needed.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Opt for a diced variety that includes chilies for an extra kick. This contributes both flavor and moisture to the casserole.
- Cheddar cheese: Choose sharp or medium cheddar to enhance the dish’s flavor. Grate your cheese for even melting. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use Monterey Jack!
- Tortilla chips: Go for sturdy corn tortilla chips that hold up well in baking. They create a great crunchy texture. You can use crushed tortilla chips for a different texture.
- Bell peppers: Select vibrant, fresh peppers for sweetness and color. They add a nice crunch and layer of flavor. Avoid overripe peppers to ensure they’re firm and crisp.
- Onion: A yellow onion works well for its balanced sweetness. Sautéed beforehand, it deepens the flavors in the casserole. White or red onions can be used if you like a sharper taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It enhances the overall flavor profile. Use a garlic press or finely chop it to release its oils effectively.
Recipe Tips
- If you notice the casserole is too dry after baking, add ¼ cup of chicken broth over the top before returning it to the oven for 5 minutes.
- If your tortillas are tearing when layering, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable before use.
- When the cheese isn’t melting evenly, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to encourage even melting and bubbling.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder to ½ teaspoon when mixing the ingredients to tailor the heat level to your taste.
- If the bottom layer of tortilla feels soggy, try pre-baking the tortillas in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before assembling the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of gluten-free cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a nice touch. Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to complement the casserole.
Use to make King Ranch chicken quesadillas or stuffed bell peppers. Add to nachos or use as a filling for enchiladas to diversify your meal options.
Top with homemade salsa, avocado, or guacamole for freshness. A drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro also adds a nice finishing touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for this King Ranch Chicken Casserole to save prep time and add bold flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the sautéed onion and bell pepper to boost the dish’s distinct spicy taste.
- Either canned Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies can be used, depending on your preferred spice level and tomato flavor.
- If making a larger batch, double the ingredients and use a 9x13x2-inch or larger baking dish for even cooking throughout the casserole layers.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your King Ranch Chicken Casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from heat sources.
Refrigeration: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to retain texture.
Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap, place in a freezer container, and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this king ranch chicken casserole or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
