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
- First Layer: Spread ⅓ of the torn tortillas on the bottom of the dish.
- Second Layer: Add ½ of the chicken mixture, then ½ cup cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Tortillas → remaining chicken mixture → ½ cup cheese.
- 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