King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

You’ll find that King Ranch Chicken Casserole delivers authentic Tex-Mex comfort without the complexity of traditional layered enchiladas. This crowd-pleasing dish requires precise measurements of cream soups, specific cheese ratios, and properly softened tortillas to achieve its signature creamy texture. While the recipe appears straightforward, there’s a critical technique for preventing soggy layers that most home cooks overlook. Master this essential step, and you’ll understand why this casserole has dominated potluck tables across Texas for decades.

Overview

• King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex comfort food with layered chicken, corn tortillas, and creamy sauce.
• Key ingredients include 3 pounds shredded chicken, corn tortillas, cream soups, diced tomatoes with chiles, and cheese.
• Sauté onions and bell peppers, then layer with tortillas, chicken, vegetables, soup mixture, and cheese in baking dish.
• Bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
• Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes before serving; provides 42g protein per serving with make-ahead convenience.

Recipe

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex comfort food that originated in Texas and has become a staple at potluck dinners and family gatherings across the South. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy sauce with peppers and onions to create a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd. The casserole gets its name from the famous King Ranch in Texas, though the exact origin of the recipe remains a topic of friendly debate among home cooks.

The beauty of King Ranch Chicken lies in its versatility and make-ahead convenience. The dish can be assembled hours or even a day before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. The layers of corn tortillas create a lasagna-like structure that holds together beautifully when served, while the combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups provides a rich, savory base that complements the mild heat from diced tomatoes with green chiles.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine both soups, diced tomatoes with chiles, chicken broth, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer half the tortilla strips in the prepared baking dish, followed by half the chicken, half the sautéed vegetables, half the soup mixture, and half of both cheeses.
5. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set before serving.

Cooking Steps

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and translucent.

Next, you’ll combine both cream soups with the drained diced tomatoes and chiles, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large bowl, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 1. Prep Baking Dish Properly

Before you start layering your casserole, properly preparing your baking dish guarantees even cooking and easy cleanup. First, preheat oven temperature to 350°F—this verifies your casserole starts cooking immediately when it goes in. Next, grease thoroughly using butter or cooking spray, paying special attention to corners and edges where ingredients tend to stick. A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe’s generous portions.

Don’t skip the greasing step, even with non-stick pans. The cheese and tortillas can create stubborn spots that’ll make serving difficult. For extra protection against sticking, lightly dust the greased surface with a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs. This simple preparation step means you’ll serve beautiful, intact portions that’ll impress your family and friends every time.

Step 2. Sauté Vegetables Until Softened

With your baking dish ready, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. Add your diced onion first, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Next, add the diced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 4 minutes. You want to adjust vegetable texture carefully—they should be tender but not mushy. This is your chance to add aromatics that’ll elevate the entire casserole.

The vegetables are perfectly done when they’ve softened and released their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step; properly sautéed vegetables create the flavor foundation that makes this beloved Texas dish truly shine.

Step 3. Combine Soup Mixture Thoroughly

Now that your vegetables have developed their rich, caramelized flavors, grab a large mixing bowl to create the creamy base that’ll bind this entire casserole together.

Pour in both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, followed by the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add your chicken broth, garlic powder, and cumin, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Use proper mixing technique by whisking ingredients from the bottom up, incorporating each component thoroughly. Don’t rush this step—take time to guarantee smooth texture throughout the mixture. Any lumps will translate to uneven flavor distribution in your finished casserole.

This creamy foundation creates the signature taste that makes King Ranch Chicken irresistible.

Step 4. Layer Ingredients in Sequence

Once your soup mixture achieves perfect consistency, you’ll begin the methodical layering process that creates King Ranch Chicken’s signature structure. Start by arranging half the tortilla strips across your greased 9×13 dish, creating an even foundation. Distribute half the shredded chicken over the tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.

Next, spread half your sautéed vegetables, followed by half the soup mixture with its creamy texture and flavorful seasoning. Sprinkle half of both cheeses generously across the layer. Repeat this sequence exactly, building your second tier with remaining tortilla strips, chicken, vegetables, and soup mixture. Crown your casserole with the final cheese layer, which will create that golden, bubbly top every home cook craves.

Step 5. Bake Until Bubbly Throughout

After you’ve assembled your final cheese layer, cover the entire casserole tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into your preheated 350°F oven for exactly 45 minutes. This covered baking phase allows the flavors to meld while the tortillas soften perfectly.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until the top cheese develops those beautiful caramelized flavors you’re craving. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble vigorously and the surface turns golden brown. The crispy tortillas on top will contrast beautifully with the tender layers beneath.

Let your masterpiece rest for 10-15 minutes before serving – this vital step allows the layers to set properly, ensuring clean cuts that showcase your perfectly assembled casserole.

Top Tips

Three essential strategies will elevate your King Ranch Chicken from good to exceptional. First, you’ll want to drain your diced tomatoes thoroughly—excess liquid creates a watery casserole that won’t hold its shape when served.

Second, don’t skip the resting period after baking; those pivotal 10-15 minutes allow the layers to set properly, ensuring clean slices that showcase your beautiful layers.

Third, embrace the make ahead convenience by assembling your casserole the night before—the flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating an even more delicious crowd pleasing dish. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess, and always cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/8 of recipe)
Servings	8
Calories	485
Total Fat	24g
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	42g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	1,150mg

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole provides a substantial amount of protein, making it an excellent choice for active families and those looking to fulfill their daily protein requirements. The dish contains moderate amounts of carbohydrates from the corn tortillas, while the cheese and cream soups contribute to the fat content. The sodium level is relatively high due to the canned soups and cheese, so those monitoring their sodium intake may want to assess using low-sodium alternatives or smaller portion sizes.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, calculate values based on the exact products you use.

Final Thoughts

King Ranch Chicken Casserole stands as one of Texas’s most enduring culinary contributions, offering home cooks a reliable dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ve discovered a recipe that exemplifies both versatility and make ahead convenience, transforming simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’ll earn you countless compliments at every gathering.

This isn’t just another casserole—it’s your ticket to stress-free entertaining and weeknight meal planning success. You can customize ingredients to match your family’s preferences, substitute proteins, or adjust spice levels without compromising the dish’s integrity. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or contributing to the next potluck, you’ll find this recipe becomes an indispensable part of your cooking repertoire, connecting you to generations of Southern cooks who’ve mastered this beloved comfort food classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Flour Tortillas for Corn Tortillas in This Recipe?

You can absolutely make this tortilla brand substitution! Flour tortillas will create a softer, more tender layer than corn tortillas. Choose your texture preference – both work beautifully in this beloved community recipe.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Specifically for This Casserole?

The secret lies in choosing your method wisely. You’ll want to bake chicken thighs at 375°F for juiciness, or roast chicken breasts at 350°F until they reach 165°F internally for perfectly tender, flavorful results.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?

You’ll absolutely love using rotisserie chicken for this dish! The rotisserie chicken quality works perfectly, and the rotisserie chicken flavor actually enhances the casserole’s richness. Simply shred three pounds of meat, removing skin first.

How Do I Prevent the Tortillas From Getting Too Soggy?

Prevent perfectly pliable tortillas by pretoasting them briefly in a dry skillet until slightly crisp. You’ll also want to cut tortillas into smaller pieces for better layering and less moisture absorption during baking.

What Side Dishes Pair Best With King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

You’ll want invigorating, crunchy vegetable sides like crisp coleslaw or Mexican street corn salad to balance the richness. Avoid creamy side dishes since they’ll compete with the casserole’s already indulgent, cheese-laden texture.