Looking for the ultimate comfort food casserole? This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, cheesy classic straight from Texas kitchens. Packed with tender chicken, layers of creamy sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and melty cheese — all baked between soft tortillas — it’s pure comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Tex-Mex flavor — Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice
- Perfect for feeding a crowd — Great for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep
- Simple ingredients — No complicated steps
- Freezer-friendly — Make it ahead and freeze for busy nights
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken — shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Butter
- Onion — chopped
- Green bell pepper — chopped
- Garlic cloves — minced
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- Chicken broth
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Corn tortillas — torn into pieces
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (180°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion, green pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth.
Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the torn tortillas in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Top with half of the shredded chicken, half of the sauce mixture, and half of the cheese.
Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time
- Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper
- Freezer option: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months
- Substitute: Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if preferred
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Add a side of Mexican rice or refried beans
- Top with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is cheesy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together — comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion!
Happy cooking!