King Ranch Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

King Ranch Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

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If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex-inspired casserole that’s packed with flavor and nostalgia, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the answer! A beloved Southern favorite, this dish combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, zesty Ro’tel tomatoes, and layers of corn tortillas for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

At LivelyDish.com, we love recipes that bring people together, and this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich, creamy texture and just the right amount of spice, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast—so make sure you get a serving before it’s gone!

Let’s dive into the recipe, plus pro tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole

✔ Comfort food at its finest – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
✔ Easy to make – Uses simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have.
✔ Great for feeding a crowd – Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners.
✔ Leftovers taste even better – The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro’tel tomatoes with diced green chilies, drained
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Sauté the Veggies

  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes). Set aside.

3. Make the Filling

  • In a large bowl, mix:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Drained Ro’tel tomatoes
  • Chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin
  • Sautéed veggies
  • Stir well. If you prefer a saucier texture, add ½ cup chicken broth.

4. Layer the Casserole

  1. First Layer: Spread ⅓ of the torn tortillas on the bottom of the dish.
  2. Second Layer: Add ½ of the chicken mixture, then ½ cup cheese.
  3. Repeat Layers: Tortillas → remaining chicken mixture → ½ cup cheese.
  4. Final Layer: Top with remaining tortillas and 1 cup cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake 10-15 more minutes, until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or sour cream.

Pro Tips for the Best King Ranch Casserole

🔹 Use slightly stale tortillas – They hold up better without getting mushy.
🔹 Shortcut tip: Rotisserie chicken saves time!
🔹 Extra creamy? Add ½ cup sour cream to the filling.
🔹 Make it ahead – Assemble (unbaked), refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Delicious Variations & Swaps

🌶 Spicy Version – Use hot Ro’tel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños.
🌱 Lighter Option – Swap cream soups for Greek yogurt + chicken broth.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese.
🍗 Turkey Twist – Substitute shredded turkey for chicken.

What to Serve With It

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pair it with:

  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • A crisp green salad
  • Warm cornbread

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat:
  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Microwave: Individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, this dish is always a hit!

Tried it? Let us know your favorite twists in the comments!

Want more easy, family-friendly recipes? Check out LivelyDish.com for more delicious ideas!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40-45 mins | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~400 per serving

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