King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Save this recipe on:

Comfort food doesn’t get much more iconic than King Ranch Chicken Casserole. This creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired bake has been a Southern staple for generations, and for good reason. Layers of tender shredded chicken, tortillas, peppers, and a rich, savory sauce come together in one comforting bite after another. If you’ve never tried this before, you’re in for a nostalgic treat that tastes like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of any potluck or weeknight dinner and delivers the kind of flavor that makes everyone go back for seconds. It’s simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and brings that perfect balance of creamy and zesty. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, just a bit spicy, and packed with layers that hold up beautifully when baked. It’s also versatile—you can use rotisserie chicken to save time or even substitute turkey for a post-holiday twist. Leftovers? They taste just as amazing the next day. This is one of those dishes that turns a regular night into something to remember.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas are the traditional and best choice for King Ranch Chicken Casserole. They hold up better than flour tortillas during baking and bring a warm, toasty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Just be sure to lightly toast or fry them before layering so they don’t become soggy. Flour tortillas can work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Ingredients for the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This recipe uses classic pantry and fridge staples to create that irresistible creamy, Tex-Mex flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked Chicken
Use shredded rotisserie or any leftover chicken. The heart of the casserole, it adds protein and soaks up the creamy sauce.

Corn Tortillas
They provide structure and a subtle corn flavor that gives this dish its signature taste.

Cream of Chicken Soup
Creates a smooth, comforting base for the sauce.

Cream of Mushroom Soup
Adds extra richness and depth to the creamy layer.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
These add tang and a little Tex-Mex heat, crucial for the kick.

Onion
Sautéed to add sweetness and a savory base to the dish.

Green Bell Pepper
Gives a bit of crunch and color, balancing the softness of the casserole.

Garlic
Just a touch enhances all the other flavors.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melted on top and between layers for gooey, melty goodness.

Olive Oil or Butter
Used for sautéing your veggies and greasing the pan.

Salt & Pepper
To taste, to enhance all the savory elements.

How To Make the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and let simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.

Step 2: Build the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the toasted corn tortillas on the bottom. Add half the shredded chicken, followed by half the sauce mixture, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar. Repeat the layers: tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so it holds together when sliced.

How to Serve and Store King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people comfortably, making it a favorite for families and gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It also pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

For storing, let the casserole cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

What to Serve With King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Mexican Rice

A flavorful, fluffy side that complements the cheesy and spicy notes of the casserole.

Refried Beans

Creamy and rich, they add a grounding texture to your plate.

Guacamole and Chips

Something fresh and cool is always a welcome contrast to warm, baked comfort food.

Roasted Corn with Lime

Sweet and zesty, this adds another layer of Tex-Mex flavor.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw cuts through the richness beautifully.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who love extra spice, keep these on hand.

Side Salad with Avocado

Lightens the meal and adds fresh greens to your dinner.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Sweet, creamy, and spicy—it mirrors the casserole’s vibe in a fun way.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll want to try these comforting meals too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a one-pot pasta dream.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you crave a baked Italian twist.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich weeknight indulgence.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you want bold flavors and quick cleanup.
• Mushroom Mozzarella Bake for a vegetarian-friendly dinner that satisfies.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you add extra heat? Use turkey instead? Maybe switch up the cheese? I’d love to hear about your spin on this classic.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: