With tender shredded chicken, layers of melty cheese, and a creamy, lightly spiced sauce, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food in every bite. It’s an easy dinner that comes together with simple ingredients, but has loads of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for busy weeknights, this classic casserole is always a hit!
We all know that any recipe that starts with a creamy sauce, layers of chicken, and plenty of melted cheese is already off to a good start. And this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is exactly that! It’s a comfort classic that is actually easy to make, and it’s always a hit with the whole family because it’s full of deliciousness.
This is also a favorite recipe that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to prep, forgiving if you need to make substitutions, and always a hit with both kids and adults, which is exactly why it’s been a staple casserole recipe for generations!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- It’s incredibly easy – This is a true dump-and-bake style casserole with just a few simple steps. Using rotisserie chicken and canned soups keeps prep time low without sacrificing flavor.
- Total comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and warm with just a little kick from the Rotel, this King Ranch chicken casserole hits all the cozy dinner notes.
- Family friendly – The flavors are mild enough for kids but still satisfying for adults. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your crowd!
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep – This casserole reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Recipe Notes
This king ranch chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just a handful of pantry staples and about 15 minutes of hands-on time for a family-friendly dinner that feels comforting and filling.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Green bell pepper – You can use red bell pepper or swap in any color of bell pepper!
- Yellow onion – White onion also works well here.
- Vegetable oil – Used to sauté the veggies. Avocado oil or olive oil work too.
- Cream of chicken soup & cream of mushroom soup – This is the base of the creamy sauce. You can use cream of celery instead of cream of mushroom if you prefer!
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies – Use mild or hot depending on spice preference.
- Chili powder – Adds warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- Cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but any cooked, chopped, chunks of chicken works.
- Corn tortillas – A classic King Ranch ingredient! The layers of tender chicken mixture and layer of tortillas make this Southwestern dish even more delicious!
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack or Mexican-blend cheese also work.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Spicy King Ranch Chicken – Use hot Rotel and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could even add a chopped up jalapeño.
- Creamier Version – Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese with the soup mixture.
- Veggie-Packed – Add extra vegetables like sautéed zucchini, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make king ranch chicken.
Preheat oven to 375˚F. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant.
Add the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the pan and stir to mix.
Then stir in the cooked chicken. Remove from stove.
In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread half of the torn tortilla pieces over the bottom. Add half of the chicken mixture and spread evenly over the tortillas, then top with half of the cheese. Repeat for a second layer, tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese. Bake (uncovered) for 20-30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overbake the casserole. Bake just until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is fully melted so the casserole stays creamy instead of drying out!
- Shred your own cheese for best results. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly than pre-shredded cheese, however, sometimes pre-shredded cheese is more convenient, so it’s up to you!
- Taste and adjust the sauce before assembling. Before layering everything together, give the sauce a quick taste and adjust the salt or spice level as needed.
- Let the casserole rest before serving. Allowing the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking helps it set up and makes slicing much easier!
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use rotisserie chicken – Saves at least 20 minutes!
- Pre-chopped veggies – Store-bought chopped onion and peppers work great.
- Assemble ahead – Build the casserole earlier in the day and bake when ready.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this king ranch chicken casserole recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Label and freeze.
How to Freeze King Ranch Chicken After Cooking
- Bake and cool completely.
- Wrap tightly or transfer to airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of Tex-Mex spices, cheese, and chicken, it pairs well with many of your favorite Mexican inspired side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
King Ranch Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- King Ranch Chicken Wraps – Roll leftovers into tortillas and toast until crispy.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Spoon over baked potatoes with extra cheese.
- King Ranch Quesadillas – Use as a cheesy quesadilla filling.
- Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers – Stuff into bell peppers and bake.
Recipe FAQ’s
Why is it called King Ranch chicken casserole?
Despite the name, King Ranch Chicken Casserole did not originate at the famous King Ranch in Texas. The name is believed to reflect the dish’s Tex-Mex flavors and hearty, ranch-style comfort food appeal.
What is a King Ranch chicken casserole?
King Ranch Casserole is a creamy chicken casserole made with corn tortillas, cheese, and a mildly spiced creamy sauce. It’s a classic South Texas inspired comfort dish that’s baked until bubbly and golden.
What is king ranch chicken?
King Ranch chicken typically refers to dishes which include chicken, cheese, tortillas, and a creamy, seasoned sauce. The flavors are rich, savory, and lightly spicy rather than hot.
What’s the secret to a good casserole?
The secret to a good casserole is balancing moisture, flavor, and texture so it bakes up creamy but not soggy. Proper seasoning, even layering, and baking just until bubbly make all the difference!
More EASY Dinner Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy dinner recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, (10.5 ounce can)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, (10.5 ounce can)
- 1 can ROTEL diced tomato and green chiles, (10 ounce can)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, I use rotisserie
- 8 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant.
- Add the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the pan and stir to mix. Then stir in the cooked chicken. Remove from stove.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the torn tortilla pieces over the bottom. Add half of the chicken mixture and spread evenly over the tortillas, then top with half of the cheese.Repeat for a second layer, tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese.
- Bake (uncovered) for 20-30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Recipe Notes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped cilantro
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