King Ranch Chicken

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King Ranch Chicken is a classic Tex-Mex casserole that combines layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with bold, zesty flavors. Packed with tender shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a rich sauce, this dish is layered with corn tortillas and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights.

I first made King Ranch Chicken after hearing about its legendary status as a Texan staple. The creamy sauce combined with the slight kick of chilies and the hearty layers of tortillas created a dish that was both nostalgic and full of flavor. It quickly became a household favorite.

What I love most about King Ranch Chicken is its adaptability. You can add black beans, corn, or even sautéed vegetables to make it your own. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Whether you’re new to Tex-Mex or a longtime fan, King Ranch Chicken delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family gatherings
  • Potlucks
  • Comfort food lovers
  • Chicken enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why King Ranch Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with layers of flavor and is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
  • Cheesy Goodness: The gooey, melted cheese adds richness and ties all the ingredients together.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Easy to Assemble: No complicated steps—just layer and bake!
  • One-Dish Wonder: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Flavorful Chicken: The seasoned chicken ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.
  • Make-Ahead Meal: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness, add vegetables, or use different cheeses to suit your preferences.
  • Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for large gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour (including baking time)
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 24g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

  • 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cooked Chicken: A great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
  • Cream Soups: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups provides a creamy, flavorful base.
  • Chili Powder and Cumin: These spices add depth and a touch of warmth to the dish.
  • Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas give the casserole its signature texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Combine Soup Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add Chicken and Veggies: Add the shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables to the soup mixture and stir until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Layer Tortillas and Chicken Mixture: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
  2. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, if desired. Slice and serve warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for King Ranch Chicken:

  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
  • On Taco Night: Serve with tortillas for a fun, taco-inspired twist.
  • With Guacamole: Add a scoop of guacamole for a creamy, flavorful accompaniment.
  • As a Potluck Dish: Bring this casserole to your next potluck for a guaranteed hit.
  • With Rice or Beans: Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans for a hearty meal.
  • For Game Day: Make this casserole for a game day treat that everyone will love.
  • With Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
  • For Family Dinners: Perfect for a satisfying family meal that everyone will enjoy.
  • With Salsa Verde: Drizzle some salsa verde over the top for a tangy finish.
  • For Meal Prep: Make ahead and store individual servings for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Additional Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Adjust Spiciness: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to make the dish spicier if desired.
  • Layering Tip: Be sure to coat each tortilla with the sauce mixture to ensure they soften and absorb the flavors.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Freezing Tip: You can freeze the casserole before baking and bake it later when needed.

Recipe Variations

  • Chicken and Beef: Combine ground beef and chicken for a heartier casserole.
  • Vegetarian King Ranch Casserole: Replace the chicken with black beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy King Ranch Chicken: Add extra diced green chilies or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  • Mexican King Ranch Chicken: Use Mexican crema or cotija cheese for an added layer of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap the tortillas for cauliflower or zucchini slices to reduce carbs.
  • Cheesy King Ranch Chicken: Use different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicier, meltier topping.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortillas or skip the tortillas entirely and serve over rice.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and combining the chicken mixture.
  • Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for this casserole.
  • Sharp Knife: To slice the tortillas into strips.
  • Spatula: For spreading and layering the ingredients evenly.
  • Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while baking.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to fully cook and shred it before adding to the casserole.
  2. How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
    The casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  3. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
  4. What can I use instead of cream soups?
    You can make a homemade creamy sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings as a substitute.
  5. Can I make this casserole spicy?
    Yes, add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to spice things up.
  6. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to make more servings.
  7. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
    Yes, you can use flour tortillas if preferred.
  8. Can I make this casserole without cheese?
    Yes, but the cheese adds a creamy, delicious layer to the dish.
  9. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
    Yes, you can add vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to the chicken mixture.
  10. How can I prevent the casserole from being dry?
    Ensure you layer the tortillas well with the sauce mixture and bake until the cheese is bubbly but not overcooked.

Conclusion

This King Ranch Chicken is a classic Tex-Mex casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Layers of tender chicken, tortilla strips, and a zesty, creamy sauce come together for a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor and warmth in every bite.

The magic of this recipe lies in the rich and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of creamy soups or sour cream. Layered with shredded chicken, cheese, and tortillas, the casserole bakes to golden perfection, with bubbling cheese and a crispy topping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for a Tex-Mex flair.

I’d love to see your King Ranch Chicken creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your cheesy, delicious casseroles. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun variations or toppings that made your dish uniquely yours!

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