🧀 King Ranch Chicken Casserole – A Tex-Mex Legend
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a legendary Southern comfort dish beloved throughout Texas and beyond. It’s a creamy, cheesy, layered chicken casserole with just the right amount of Tex-Mex kick. Named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, this dish has no confirmed connection to the ranch itself—but it’s been a staple of Southern kitchens, potlucks, and Sunday dinners for decades.
What makes it so special? Layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together into one cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s like the best parts of a chicken enchilada and lasagna rolled into one.
Perfect for make-ahead meals, family dinners, or comfort food cravings, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a recipe every home cook should master.
🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (for baking)
- Knife and cutting board
🛒 Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembly:
- 12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters or halves)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes
👨🍳 How to Make Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until soft (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir in chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt. Let it simmer for a couple minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
Step 4: Combine with Chicken
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken until well coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In your greased casserole dish, begin layering:
- A single layer of tortilla pieces
- Half of the chicken mixture
- A handful of shredded cheese (both kinds)
Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, more cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or fresh tomatoes if desired.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or more chili powder to the filling for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace tortillas with low-carb wraps or even thinly sliced zucchini.
- Extra Veggies: Add corn, black beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Cream Cheese Twist: Add a few ounces of softened cream cheese to the sauce for richer flavor.
- Tortilla Chips Layer: Instead of corn tortillas, use lightly crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier texture.
🍳 Cooking Note
- This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and just bake when ready.
- Freezes well: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
- Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Pair with a glass of iced tea, Mexican beer, or a tangy margarita.
- Great with cornbread or warm tortillas on the side.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and rich flavor.
- Let it rest after baking to allow the layers to set.
- Cut tortillas into quarters to help them layer more easily and evenly.
- Don’t overbake or the cheese can dry out—just until bubbly is perfect.
⭐ Tips for the Best King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Mix cheese types: The combo of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack adds depth.
- Use full-fat dairy: It creates the richest, creamiest sauce.
- Stir in the chicken gently to keep the shreds intact.
- Broil briefly at the end for a bubbly, golden top.
- Layer evenly so every bite gets a balance of textures and flavors.
⏱️ Prep Time:
20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time:
40–45 minutes
⏱️ Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
(Varies based on cheese and tortilla choice.)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas hold up better and are more traditional in Tex-Mex recipes.
Q: What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is flavorful and easy. Poached or baked chicken works too.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic. Freeze up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil, or microwave individual portions.
✅ Conclusion
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a timeless Tex-Mex dish that brings the whole family to the table. With layers of savory chicken, melty cheese, creamy sauce, and warm tortillas, every bite is pure comfort.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a weekend potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe is a keeper.
Try it once—and we guarantee, it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation.
