The Best King Ranch Chicken Recipe: Zesty Texas Comfort Food

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this king ranch chicken recipe that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering Tex-Mex inspired casserole.

Hearty and packed with bold flavors, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Tortillas soak up the rich, spicy sauce, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing classic.

Each bite tells a story of traditional southwestern comfort and culinary creativity.

Ways to Switch Up Your King Ranch Chicken

• Vegetarian Southwest Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like zucchini and corn for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free King Ranch: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas, use gluten-free cream soups, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Chicken Bake: Skip tortillas completely, increase chicken and vegetable layers, use cauliflower rice as a base, and add extra cheese for binding.
• Dairy-Free Spicy Chicken Casserole: Substitute cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, use coconut milk-based cream soups, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Plating Ideas for King Ranch Chicken

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Fresh green salad with zesty lime vinaigrette adds crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
• Hearty Side Kick: Mexican-style rice studded with corn and black beans complements the dish's southwestern flavors.
• Cool Comfort Topper: Dollop of tangy sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro brightens each savory bite, cutting through the casserole's richness.
• Spice Level Booster: Sliced fresh jalapeños or hot sauce on the side lets guests customize their heat preference.

How to Store King Ranch Chicken Leftovers

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

FAQs

• What is the origin of King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

This classic Tex-Mex dish originated in Texas, inspired by the famous King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world. It combines traditional ranch cooking with Mexican-American flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from diced tomatoes with chilies and optional chili powder. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild chilies or reducing the chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Big Texas Comfort with King Ranch Chicken

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a hearty Tex-Mex casserole that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to make this dish uniquely yours, perfect for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors and protein-rich chicken, this recipe satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its delicious layers.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplify meal prep and cleanup with this all-in-one baking dish that combines protein, veggies, and cheesy deliciousness in a single pan.

Gather the Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that serves as the protein base for this hearty casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layered texture and structure in the dish.
• Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar that provides rich flavor and golden brown topping.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy sauces that bind ingredients and add depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that enhances moisture and helps blend all ingredients together.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Sautéed vegetables that provide aromatic base and subtle sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Tangy ingredient that adds moisture and mild heat to the casserole.
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates complex, southwestern-style flavor profile.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Jalapeños: Fresh garnishes that add extra flavor and personalization to the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to King Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in onions and bell peppers, cooking them until they become soft and slightly translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Blend

• Chicken broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced tomatoes with chilies
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-combined sauce.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Layers

• First layer: Half of the tortillas
• Next: Half of the cooked chicken
• Then: Sautéed vegetables
• Follow with: Half of the soup mixture
• Sprinkle: Generous amount of cheese

Repeat the entire layering process one more time.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Add optional toppings like fresh cilantro, cool sour cream, or spicy jalapeños.

Slice and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Secrets for Perfect King Ranch Chicken Every Time

• Use corn tortillas and briefly toast them in a skillet before layering to maintain a crisp texture and enhance flavor.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or shredded beef for different protein options and exciting taste variations.
• Replace cream soups with homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt to reduce sodium and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Adjust chili powder and add diced jalapeños gradually to control heat level, ensuring the dish suits different spice tolerances.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime easier.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty King Ranch Chicken brings Texan comfort to dinner tables with layers of cheesy, spicy goodness. Creamy tortillas and tender chicken create a southwestern classic that will satisfy cravings and warm souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Poultry:

• 2.5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 small onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or butter

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large rectangular baking dish to ensure easy food release and prevent sticking.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Create a flavorful sauce by whisking together chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with chilies, and a blend of spices including chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Construct the first layer in the baking dish by placing torn tortilla pieces across the bottom, covering the entire surface evenly.
5. Distribute shredded chicken uniformly over the tortilla base, ensuring consistent coverage.
6. Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture across the chicken layer, creating a colorful and textured foundation.
7. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep between the components.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese to create a melty, golden top layer.
9. Repeat the layering process: tortillas, chicken, vegetables, remaining sauce, and another generous cheese coating.
10. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese transforms into a golden-brown, crispy surface.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Use low-sodium broths and soups to control salt intake, making the recipe heart-friendly and suitable for those monitoring sodium consumption.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating overnight, then bake when ready to serve, perfect for meal prepping and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 396 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 748 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg