If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming dish that combines layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese with a hint of Tex-Mex flair, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It is a beloved casserole originating from Texas that never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles and happy appetites. Every bite bursts with a harmonious blend of spices, peppers, and soft tortillas, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This dish feels like a warm hug in food form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These basic, pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Every element plays an essential role, from the sturdy corn tortillas that soak up the sauce to the spices that add just the right kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light fruity flavor and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and smoothness to the sautéed base.
- ½ cup diced onion: Provides natural sweetness and wonderful aroma as it softens.
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a gentle crunch with a mild peppery note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with that signature savory punch.
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup: Forms a creamy, luscious sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup chicken stock, divided: Keeps the mixture moist and enhances the chicken flavor.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and mild heat to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings earthy, smoky undertones typical of Southwestern cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances the savory depth with a subtle kick.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers a gentle hint of spice for those who love a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors.
- 12 corn tortillas: Softened slightly by the sauce, creating the perfect layered texture.
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese: Melts over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for baking. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and warm the olive oil together. Toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper, allowing them to soften and release their sweetness. Just before they’re done, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to awaken those wonderful garlic aromas that form the heart of this casserole’s flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the creamy magic. Pour in the two cans of cream of chicken soup and add half a cup of chicken stock to create a luscious base. Stir in your spices: chili powder, cumin, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mixing these with the shredded chicken, let everything simmer gently just long enough to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Then remove from heat to prepare for layering.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
This is where the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe starts to take shape. Pour the remaining half cup of chicken stock into your prepared baking dish – this keeps the tortillas perfectly tender during baking. Layer four halved corn tortillas evenly across the dish, then spread one-third of the chicken mixture on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with all the chicken mixture and tortillas used. Finally, generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top, then cover the casserole tightly with foil to keep in the steam and moisture.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Bake your assembled casserole covered for 40 minutes. The dish will bubble and the cheese will melt into a golden blanket. Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately – let it sit covered for 10 minutes. This rest period allows the casserole to set, so every slice holds together beautifully and flavors deepen with a lovely creamy richness.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe presentation, consider fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of cool sour cream. These add a great contrast to the rich casserole and bring a fresh, zesty note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or even Mexican rice. The fresh veggies or lightly spiced rice brighten the meal and complement the hearty casserole perfectly without overpowering its flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins, perfect for portion control and a charming presentation. Or turn it into a layered dip by serving warm in a shallow dish with tortilla chips alongside for scooping – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more with time, making for an incredibly delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes great, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort food. After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
For reheating, warm individual servings in the microwave, or place the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating will keep it decadently melty.
FAQs
Can I substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will create a softer, less textured layer, which some prefer. Just be mindful they might absorb the sauce differently, slightly changing the casserole’s texture.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?
Not at all! Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient option. You can use any cooked and shredded chicken, homemade or leftover, and it will work wonderfully in this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! If you want to sneak in extra veggies, diced zucchini, corn kernels, or green chilies can be stirred into the chicken mixture for added texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
This casserole has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, but nothing too intense. You can always adjust the spices to suit your own heat preference by reducing or increasing the amounts.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a crowd?
Definitely. You can assemble it the day before and keep it refrigerated, then bake it fresh before serving. This saves you time and lets the flavors marry even better overnight.
Final Thoughts
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that brings people together around the table. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an absolute go-to for busy weeknights or festive occasions. I warmly encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food classic that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.
Print
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A comforting and flavorful King Ranch Chicken Casserole featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, creamy seasoned sauce, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This classic Tex-Mex casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner or casual get-together.
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
Chicken and Soup Mixture
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock, divided
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Casserole Assembly
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Make Sauce: Stir the cream of chicken soup into the skillet, then pour in ½ cup of the chicken stock. Add chili powder, cumin, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer briefly, then remove from heat once heated through.
- Layer Casserole: Pour the remaining ½ cup of chicken stock into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the casserole by placing 4 halved corn tortillas over the stock to cover the bottom. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Repeat the layers two more times, using all the tortillas and chicken mixture. Finish by sprinkling the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake and Rest: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes covered, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. After baking, let the casserole sit covered for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make portioning easier.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- For extra spice, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
- Corn tortillas can be lightly toasted beforehand to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
