This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty casserole made with layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, and a flavorful sauce that combines diced tomatoes, green chilies, and spices. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family dinner or gathering.

Benefits Of Making This Dish

• Rich, Bold Flavors. The bold and flavorful sauce in this casserole is a combination of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and spices; it goes wonderfully with the shredded chicken and tortillas.
• Comfort Food Classic. Something about coming home to a warm casserole just hits the spot. If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and delicious Tex-Mex dish, look no further than this King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
• Easy To Make. This casserole has a fantastic flavor, but you’d never guess how simple it is to prepare. Simply shred some chicken, stack some tortillas, and cover everything with sauce before baking.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts. The main attraction! For a protein-rich meal, cook the chicken and shred it before layering it in the casserole.
• Corn Tortillas. These are what give the casserole its layered appearance and delicious flavor.
• Shredded Cheese. This is what you’ll use to make the melty cheese topping for your casserole. You can use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Diced Tomatoes. These are what give the casserole its juicy, flavorful texture.
• Hot Green Peppers. These make the sauce slightly spicier and tangier.
• Chicken Broth. This is added to the sauce to dilute it so that it can be more easily spread between the layers.
• Sour Cream. The sauce’s creaminess is enhanced, and the heat is moderated thanks to this addition.
• Chili Powder. This enhances the sauce with a smoky, mildly spicy flavor.
• Cumin. This makes the sauce taste more homey and comforting.
• Garlic Powder. This enhances the sauce’s savory flavor.

Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole Spicy?

King Ranch Chicken Casserole’s spiciness can be adjusted by changing the type and quantity of chili peppers used. Reduce the number of chili peppers or use a milder variety if you prefer a subtler taste.

Can You Add Other Vegetables To King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

The nutritional value and flavor of King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be improved by the addition of other vegetables. Diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes are common additions.

Is It Possible To Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole In A Slow Cooker?

To make a slow cooker version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole, simply layer all of the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. It’s important to keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly when compared to when baked in the oven.

What Other Cheese Can I Use In King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Although cheddar cheese is called for in the classic recipe, feel free to experiment with other kinds of cheese if you’d like to switch things up. For a spicier flavor, try substituting a cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack. For a twist on the traditional dish, try adding blue cheese or feta.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine.
• Use cooking spray to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread the chicken mixture in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Place four corn tortillas on top of the chicken mixture, slightly overlapping them.
• Add a layer of the chicken mixture to the tortillas.
• Repeat the layers of tortillas and chicken mixture until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with the chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle the cheese shreds over the casserole.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for thirty minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Before serving, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

Suggestions For Serving This Recipe

• Mexican Street Corn. To counteract the bold and spicy flavors of the casserole, serve grilled or roasted corn on the cob with a spread of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
• Black Bean Salad. To balance out the richness of the casserole, try serving it with a side salad made of black beans, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice. The creamy and tart salad dressing is a welcome addition to the otherwise heavy meal.
• Grilled Peppers And Onions. A smoky and sweet side dish that goes well with the spiciness of the casserole is grilled or roasted bell peppers and onions tossed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and chili powder.
• Spanish Rice. Spanish rice, made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, is a classic side dish that goes well with Tex-Mex food. The casserole’s bold and spicy flavors are perfectly complemented by the rice, which is savory and slightly sweet.
• Guacamole. Guacamole is a popular dip in Tex-Mex restaurants, and for a good reason. It’s made from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and onions, and has a creamy texture and bold flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version. King Ranch Chicken Casserole can easily be adapted into a vegetarian dish if you’re looking for a meatless option. Black beans and sweet potato can stand in for the chicken, and vegetable broth can take the place of the regular kind.
• Beefy Twist. Substitute ground beef or shredded beef brisket for the chicken for a heartier meal. The beef enhances the casserole with a savory flavor and goes wonderfully with the Tex-Mex seasonings and vegetables.
• Spicy Kick. Add some jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like things spicy. This will add some heat and depth of flavor to your casserole. If you have a low tolerance for heat, use caution.
• Cheesy Delight. Layer the sauce, tortillas, and chicken, and then add some cream cheese or sour cream for a cheesy twist. The melted cheese on top of the casserole will taste even better after this is done.
• Seafood Surprise. If you’re in the mood to experiment, you can replace the chicken in King Ranch Chicken Casserole with seafood. Substitute shrimp or crab for the chicken and season the sauce with Old Bay or Cajun spices.

Storing Leftovers Of This Dish

• In The Fridge. King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days if allowed to cool to room temperature first, then covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• In The Freezer. King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be frozen after it has cooled completely and been tightly wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil or covered with a freezer-safe lid. Freeze the container for up to three months after labeling and dating it.
• Reheat. King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be reheated by placing it in a preheated 350F oven. Take the casserole out of the fridge or freezer and let it thaw for 20-30 minutes before serving. For best results, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat the casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving.

Try More Recipes:

• Sour Cream Chicken Casserole
• Ina Garten Chicken Casserole
• Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 311
• Total Fat 19g
• Saturated Fat 8.3g
• Trans Fat 0.4g
• Cholesterol 74mg
• Sodium 739mg
• Potassium 261.6mg
• Total Carbohydrate 11g
• Dietary Fiber 1.3g
• Sugars 1.7g
• Protein 22g