King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender chicken, creamy soups, and melted cheese come together with a Tex-Mex twist. It’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can ROTEL diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 8 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell pepper and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, ROTEL tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then fold in the cooked chicken. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Step 4: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the torn corn tortillas evenly over the bottom. Layer half of the chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or black olives for more texture and taste.
• If you like it creamier, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken mixture before layering.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350˚F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas add a traditional texture and flavor to this dish. If using flour tortillas, consider slightly toasting them before layering to avoid sogginess.

Is this casserole spicy?

The casserole has a mild to moderate spice level from the ROTEL tomatoes and chili powder. You can adjust the chili powder amount or choose mild ROTEL tomatoes to control the heat.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 88 reviews

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex baked dish featuring layers of tender chicken, flavorsome bell peppers and onions, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together with torn corn tortillas. This classic casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Cooking Base

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can ROTEL diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 ounces)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
• 8 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Prepare Sauce and Chicken Mixture: To the skillet, add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, ROTEL diced tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then fold in the chopped cooked chicken. Once mixed, remove from heat to cool slightly.
4. Assemble Casserole Layers: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the torn corn tortilla pieces evenly over the bottom. Layer half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, spreading it smoothly. Top this with half of the grated cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
5. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese has melted completely, creating a golden and appetizing top layer.

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but cooked chicken breast or thighs work well too.
• Tearing tortillas instead of cutting helps create more texture and better distribution within the casserole.
• You can substitute ROTEL with plain diced tomatoes and add chopped green chiles if preferred.
• For spicier flavor, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken, Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Bake, ROTEL Casserole