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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex classic that layers tender chicken, corn tortillas, cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole delivers bold Southern flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready in under an hour, it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Base Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 corn tortillas, torn or cut into pieces
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, drained

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices and Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken if it’s raw—boil, bake, or use rotisserie chicken—and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces to ensure tender chunks that blend well throughout the casserole.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the canned cream soup, drained diced Ro-tel tomatoes with their juices, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly. Begin by spreading a small amount of the sauce on the bottom. Layer torn or cut corn tortillas over the sauce, followed by shredded chicken and a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkling of cheese on top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale corn tortillas to prevent sogginess and help absorb the sauce better.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
  • Drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Add fresh cilantro as a garnish right before serving to brighten the flavors.
  • The casserole can be made a day ahead and baked when ready for convenience and enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, comfort food, chicken casserole, baked casserole

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/king-ranch-chicken-casserole/