About This Recipe
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex casserole featuring shredded chicken, corn tortillas, vegetables, and creamy sauce. This baked dish derives its name from the King Ranch in Texas and uses common pantry ingredients assembled in distinct layers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Utilizes pre-cooked chicken for faster assembly
Feeds a crowd with minimal active preparation
Combines multiple food groups in one dish
Adaptable to different spice preferences
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell peppers until softened (5-7 minutes).
In large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin. Mix thoroughly.
Cut tortillas into quarters. Arrange one-third of tortilla pieces in single layer on bottom of baking dish.
Spread one-third of chicken mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle with one-third of cheese.
Repeat layering twice: tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQ
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
Corn tortillas are traditional for texture and authenticity. Flour tortillas may become gummy when baked.
How do I prepare the chicken?
Use rotisserie chicken or poach 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts in simmering water for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate covered. Add 10 minutes to covered baking time when cooking chilled.
You Must Know
Letting casserole rest allows layers to set for cleaner slicing
Undiluted condensed soups create proper sauce consistency
Tortilla placement affects structural integrity – cover dish bottom completely
Baking covered prevents premature cheese browning
Storage Tips
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat portions in 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes covered
Freeze before baking for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before baking)
Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months
Enjoy!