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If you are craving a comforting, rich, and downright delicious meal that will soon become a staple in your dinner rotation, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together tender chicken, creamy layers, and the perfect touch of Tex-Mex spices, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving guests, this casserole offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to create a casserole bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role from giving the dish its creamy base to adding a hint of spice and a golden, cheesy topping.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the vegetables evenly without burning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky softness and deep flavor to the sautéed onions and peppers.
- ½ cup diced onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds a vibrant color and gentle crunch to brighten the casserole.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that elevates the savory profile.
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, comforting base essential for this classic casserole.
- 1 cup chicken stock, divided: Keeps the dish moist and adds depth of flavor without overpowering.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, saving time while keeping it tender and juicy.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Infuses a mild smoky heat that complements the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy, warm note that defines the Tex-Mex character.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle sharpness that awakens the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle kick that makes every bite exciting.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the spices and creaminess.
- 12 corn tortillas: Perfect for layering, offering a slightly sweet corn flavor and soft texture after baking.
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted and warm, add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they soften magnificently, which usually takes just a few minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma that’s the hallmark of this dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
To your sautéed veggies, add both cans of cream of chicken soup and half a cup of chicken stock. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, and kosher salt for that signature Tex-Mex kick. Stir well until these ingredients meld into a creamy, spiced sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken, mixing everything until each piece is evenly coated. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple minutes off heat, allowing the flavors to settle beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Pour the remaining half cup of chicken stock into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to keep the casserole moist while baking. Now comes the fun part—layering! Break or cut the tortillas into halves and arrange about four halves over the stock. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Repeat this layering two more times, ensuring all tortillas and chicken mixture are used up. Finally, sprinkle the top generously with grated cheddar cheese, then seal the dish tightly with foil to lock in all the moisture and magic.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Bake the casserole, covered, for 40 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to marry beautifully. After baking, resist the urge to dive in immediately—let it rest covered for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole firm up slightly for easier serving and lets all the layers settle into a harmonious whole.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add an incredible burst of color and flavor that balances the richness of the casserole. Consider topping servings with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, or diced green onions for an added fresh, zesty touch. Some diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños can also brighten the dish and add texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
While this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is hearty on its own, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides really rounds out the meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Mexican-style street corn (elote), or even some simple black beans can make for a wonderfully balanced dinner. These sides bring a refreshing crunch or complementary earthiness that pairs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a bubbly golden crust. Or spoon the casserole onto large plates and garnish artistically with sliced avocado, chopped herbs, or even a squeeze of lime to add brightness. It’s always fun to experiment with presentation for a family-friendly meal or special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to intensify and blend. Just reheat gently to enjoy the full comforting experience again.
Freezing
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. After assembling but before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or oven-safe dish and warm until heated through, ideally covered to lock in moisture. If using the oven, 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes works perfectly. This method keeps the texture tender and the cheese delightfully melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chicken for the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use leftover roasted, poached, or even grilled chicken. The key is to have it cooked and shredded for easy layering.
Is it necessary to use corn tortillas, or can flour tortillas work?
Corn tortillas are traditional and add a touch of authentic flavor and texture, but if you prefer flour tortillas or only have those on hand, they can work as well. Just note the flavor and texture may be a bit softer and less distinct.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken for cooked beans or roasted vegetables and replace the cream of chicken soup with a mushroom or cream of celery soup. Add extra seasoning for depth and flavor.
How spicy is the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?
The recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level with the included chili powder and cayenne. You can adjust these spices to your heat preference by reducing or increasing them or adding fresh jalapeños.
What is the best cheese to use besides cheddar?
Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and excellent melting, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can also be delicious and create a creamier texture. Feel free to experiment!
Final Thoughts
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying dish. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe gets passed down and cherished through generations. So go ahead—gather those ingredients, follow the steps, and create a memorable meal everyone will love.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex classic featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, flavorful creamy sauce, corn tortillas, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy one-dish meal combines sautéed vegetables with a spiced chicken soup mixture, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Dairy
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred)
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock, divided
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: To the sautéed vegetables, stir in both cans of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of chicken stock, chili powder, cumin, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well until combined, then fold in the shredded chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly to meld flavors, then remove the pan from heat.
- Layer Casserole: Pour the remaining ½ cup of chicken stock into the prepared baking dish. Layer the casserole by placing 4 halved corn tortillas evenly over the bottom, spread ⅓ of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then repeat this layering two more times, ensuring all tortillas and chicken mixture are used. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and Rest: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and let the casserole sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but you can also use cooked homemade chicken breast or thighs.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced green chiles or jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables.
- Make sure to cover the casserole tightly to keep it moist while baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Halve the tortillas for even layering and easier serving.
