King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex dish that perfectly combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese. This easy recipe is not just about the taste but also about the joy of sharing a hearty meal with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or need a dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a weeknight hero for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s a dish that truly feels indulgent yet is made with simple ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings or sides. This casserole is also excellent for feeding a crowd, making it a go-to for gatherings. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy. Finally, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. This is truly the best King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe around!
Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Gather these items:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
- 1 2 1/2 to 3-pound rotisserie chicken (shredded, approximately 3 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 12 corn tortillas (warmed and divided)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the upper third of the oven, about 6 inches from the heat source. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño, and sauté until the vegetables soften slightly, about 6 minutes. Add the chili powder and cumin, stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth, approximately 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, shredded chicken, sour cream, and salt, stirring until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Spread 2 cups of the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the layer. Arrange 6 of the corn tortillas over the cheese, slightly overlapping to form an even layer.
- Step 5: Repeat the layering once more with 2 cups of the chicken mixture, another 1/2 cup of cheese, and the remaining 6 tortillas. Finally, top with the remaining chicken mixture and the remaining 1 cup of cheese, spreading evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese has melted. Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and lightly blistered.
- Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
- For a twist, try using King Ranch Chicken Casserole with black beans for added protein and fiber.
- To make a healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you can substitute fat-free cream cheese and low-fat cheese.
Best Ways to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with:
- Serve it with a side of King Ranch Chicken Casserole with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- A fresh green salad pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the casserole.
- For entertaining, consider serving it with margaritas or iced tea.
How to Store and Reheat King Ranch Chicken Casserole
To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This makes for great meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Ranch Chicken Casserole
What’s the secret to perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
The secret lies in the layering of flavors and ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed. Using high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs and rotisserie chicken enhances the overall taste.
Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a fresh and hot meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and don’t skip the broiling step for that perfect golden top. Also, allow it to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
Variations of King Ranch Chicken Casserole You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore:
- Spicy King Ranch Chicken Casserole: Add more jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole with Cream of Chicken: Substitute cream cheese with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- One-pot King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe: Simplify the process by cooking everything in one pot.
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken: This is a time-saving option that still yields great flavor.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes section.
If you’re looking for a similar dish, you might enjoy easy cheesy garlic butter chicken or easy garlic butter chicken. For a refreshing side, consider a Greek salad pinwheels.
Print
Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole: 5 Star Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, spicy chiles, and corn tortillas baked to perfection — a comforting, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex classic.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
- 1 2 1/2 to 3-pound rotisserie chicken (shredded, approximately 3 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 12 corn tortillas (warmed and divided)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the upper third of the oven, about 6 inches from the heat source. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño, and sauté until the vegetables soften slightly, about 6 minutes. Add the chili powder and cumin, stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth, approximately 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, shredded chicken, sour cream, and salt, stirring until evenly combined.
- Spread 2 cups of the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the layer. Arrange 6 of the corn tortillas over the cheese, slightly overlapping to form an even layer.
- Repeat the layering once more with 2 cups of the chicken mixture, another 1/2 cup of cheese, and the remaining 6 tortillas. Finally, top with the remaining chicken mixture and the remaining 1 cup of cheese, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese has melted. Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and lightly blistered.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
