If you’ve never tried the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. This hearty casserole is a wonderful blend of creamy textures, tender shredded chicken, and layers of bold Tex-Mex flavors that come together in a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a classic that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing, delivering satisfying depth with every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe plays a simple yet essential role, combining to build rich flavors, delightful textures, and beautiful color contrasts. From aromatic spices to creamy soup and fresh tortillas, every component contributes to this dish’s unforgettable taste.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables gently to release their sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a better flavor base when cooking onions and peppers.
- Diced onion: Provides a mild, savory note that forms the backbone of the sautéed vegetable mix.
- Diced red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweet crunch to balance the savory ingredients.
- Minced garlic: Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: Delivers creamy body and comforting texture to the casserole.
- Chicken stock: Keeps the dish moist and adds depth to the sauce.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The star protein, tender and ready to absorb spices and sauce flavors.
- Chili powder: Offers mild smoky heat essential to that signature Tex-Mex taste.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
- Ground black pepper: Gives a subtle peppery kick to balance richness.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle heat to liven the casserole without overpowering.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Corn tortillas: Create satisfying layers that soak up the sauce and hold the casserole together.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden crust and gooey finish.
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. Then, in a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant. Finish this step by stirring in the minced garlic just for a minute to release its aroma without browning.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup and half a cup of chicken stock right into your skillet. Add the chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, and kosher salt, mixing everything to combine well. Now fold in your cooked, shredded chicken to coat it in that spicy, creamy sauce. Let this mixture simmer briefly to marry all those delicious flavors before removing from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Pour the remaining half cup of chicken stock into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Now here’s the fun part – layer the casserole by placing four halved corn tortillas on the bottom, then spread one-third of the chicken mixture over them. Repeat this layering twice more until you’ve used all the tortillas and chicken mixture evenly. Top it all with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese, then cover the dish tightly with foil to seal in moisture.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Bake your casserole covered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Once it’s done, don’t rush—let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to settle and flavors to fully develop, making each serving perfectly delicious and creamy.
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your casserole by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to each serving. These bright, cool toppings add nice contrast in flavor and texture to the warm, spicy casserole.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables. You can also offer Mexican rice or refried beans to keep the theme going and satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This personalized touch not only looks charming but also ensures each portion stays hot and cozy until it reaches the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but covering helps keep the casserole moist and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie for this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use cooked, shredded chicken whether it’s freshly roasted, grilled, or leftover from another meal. Rotisserie chicken is simply a convenient shortcut that makes this casserole quick to put together.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a combination of hearty vegetables. Just swap out chicken stock for vegetable broth and use a vegetarian cream soup alternative if needed.
What type of cheese works best in King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Cheddar cheese is traditional and offers a nice sharp flavor that melts perfectly. However, you could mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra creaminess and a touch of spice if desired.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole the day before, cover it well, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and cayenne, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the amounts of spices to suit your preference, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing a warm, cheesy dish like this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe with family and friends. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again because it’s that good!
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A comforting and flavorful King Ranch Chicken Casserole featuring shredded chicken in a creamy, spiced sauce layered with corn tortillas and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection. This hearty dish combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with an easy-to-follow method, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Sauté Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce and Filling:
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock, divided
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie is convenient)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Casserole Assembly:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in both cans of cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup of the chicken stock into the skillet. Add chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: Incorporate the shredded chicken into the sauce mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the Baking Dish Layer: Pour the remaining ½ cup chicken stock evenly into the greased baking dish to keep the casserole moist during baking.
- Layer the Casserole: Layer 4 corn tortillas, halved, to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread one-third of the chicken sauce mixture evenly over the tortillas. Repeat two more layers with tortillas and chicken mixture, using up all the ingredients. Ensure even layering for balanced flavor and texture.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake and Rest: Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until heated through and bubbly. After baking, let it sit covered for 10 minutes to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer less or more heat.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce before layering.
- If you like, you can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture, although traditional recipes use corn.
- Adding a layer of sliced jalapeños or green chilies can enhance the spice and flavor complexity.
