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Amazing King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

If you are searching for that one dish that truly screams comfort, the one that tastes exactly like home, then listen up! We are talking about the King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex. It’s rich, it’s cheesy, and honestly, it fixes just about anything after a long week. My name is Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. Everything I post here is made with heart and flavor, because that’s just how I cook. No fussy techniques, just real food that tastes incredible.

I know you’re busy. Who has time for complicated dinners during the week? That’s why I focus on recipes that deliver huge flavor payoff without demanding hours in the kitchen. This casserole is the absolute perfect example of that principle in action. You get that signature creamy, spicy Tex-Mex hug in every bite, and you won’t feel exhausted just from prepping it. Trust me, once you master these layers, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole will become your new weeknight hero.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex - detail 1

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Why You Will Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

This isn’t just another chicken bake; it’s a staple for a reason. It comes together shockingly fast and tastes like it simmered all day long. It’s the definition of easy comfort food.

Quick Prep Time for Busy Evenings

You only need about 15 minutes to get this entire thing assembled before it heads into the oven. That means you can get dinner prepped right after work and still sit down to eat before the evening rush takes over.

Layered Flavor and Texture

The magic is absolutely in the layers! You get that creamy, spicy filling hugging soft corn tortillas, all topped off with a thick blanket of melted Cheddar. It’s soft, it’s gooey, and it’s never dry.

Authentic Comfort Food Appeal

This recipe carries the classic spirit of Tex-Mex tradition. It’s hearty, familiar, and perfectly seasoned. If you grew up on casseroles, this one will bring back the best memories, but with a wonderful spicy kick.

Essential Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

The beauty of this casserole is that it relies on pantry staples, which is why it’s such a reliable dish to whip up anytime. You aren’t hunting down specialty items! We need shredded chicken, our creamy soup base, those essential tomatoes with green chiles, corn tortillas, and of course, lots of cheese.

When you look at the ingredient list, don’t let the cans intimidate you; they are what build that classic, quick flavor profile. I’ve organized everything below so you can cross things off easily as you gather supplies.

Ingredient Quantity
Cooked Shredded Chicken 2 cups
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Green Bell Pepper, chopped 1 medium
Vegetable Oil 2 Tbsp
Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel style) 1 (10 oz) can
Corn Tortillas, torn 12
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 2 cups
Chili Powder 1 to 1.25 tsp
Garlic Powder 0.5 tsp
Salt and Pepper To taste

Preparing Your Chicken Base

You absolutely do not need to roast a chicken specifically for this! If you have leftover cooked chicken from the night before, use it. My absolute favorite shortcut is grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves so much time on shredding and makes the prep time fly by even faster. Just make sure you have about two full cups ready to go before you start cooking the veggies.

Equipment Needed for Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

You won’t need a ton of fancy gear for this classic Tex-Mex dish, which keeps cleanup easy! Grab a large skillet for sautéing those aromatics. Then, you’ll need one big mixing bowl to combine everything beautifully. Finally, you need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish, because that’s the only way to truly layer this casserole right.

Step-by-Step Instructions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Okay, let’s get cooking! Remember, we are aiming for bubbly perfection, so make sure your oven is getting nice and hot while you mix everything up. I always preheat my oven to 350°F right when I start chopping my vegetables. That way, by the time the mixture is ready, the oven is waiting patiently!

Building the Flavorful Chicken Mixture

First things first: heat that vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and green pepper. You want these to sweat down until they are tender—maybe about 5 to 7 minutes. We aren’t trying to brown them, just soften them up nicely. Once they are tender, take them off the heat.

Now for the big bowl! Dump in both cans of soup—the cream of chicken and the cream of mushroom. Add in your diced tomatoes and green chiles (don’t drain them!) along with your chili powder and garlic powder. Give that a good stir. Then, fold in your two cups of shredded chicken. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This creamy, spicy base is the heart of the casserole!

Layering the King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Time to build! Grab your 9×13 dish. Spread out about one-third of your torn corn tortillas across the bottom. Don’t worry about them overlapping perfectly; they soften up in the oven. Next, spoon exactly half of your chicken mixture evenly over those tortillas. Now, sprinkle half of your two cups of Cheddar cheese right on top of that chicken layer.

Repeat the process! Lay down the next third of your tortillas, cover them with the remaining chicken mixture, and then top that with the rest of your cheese. I usually save the last few tortilla pieces to sprinkle right on the very top if I feel like I need a little extra texture there, but if you prefer maximum cheese coverage, just stick to the two main layers.

Baking to Cheesy Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated 350°F oven. You need to bake it uncovered for about 30 to 45 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? That’s the fun part! You are looking for two things: the cheese on top must be completely melted and starting to turn golden brown in spots, and the edges of the casserole should be nice and bubbly. When you see that bubbling, pull it out and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. It holds its shape so much better that way!

King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex - detail 2

Tips for Success Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Even though this casserole is super simple, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Think of these as my personal notes from years of perfecting this recipe for my family dinners.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The recipe calls for about a teaspoon of chili powder, but you know how it is—everyone likes a different heat level! If you prefer things mild for the kids, stick to just half a teaspoon. If you want a real Tex-Mex kick that warms you up, feel free to bump that up to a full teaspoon and a half, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right into the creamy mixture.

Texture Options for Tortillas

The recipe works perfectly fine using the tortillas straight out of the package, as they soften beautifully in the sauce. However, if you want a slightly richer, more robust flavor and texture that keeps the layers from getting too mushy, try lightly frying the tortilla pieces first. Just a quick 30 seconds per side in a little hot oil until they are slightly crisp. It adds a wonderful depth that you’ll really notice.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

I get asked these questions all the time when people first try this recipe. It’s usually about making it ahead or swapping out ingredients I’ve leaned on for years.

Can I Make This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Ahead of Time?

Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead meals. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up, and then add about 10 to 15 minutes extra to the baking time since it’s starting cold.

What Substitutions Work for the Cream Soups?

The cream of chicken and cream of mushroom combo is essential for that classic texture, but if you absolutely must substitute, you can use one can of cream of celery and one can of cream of chicken. You could also use a single can of “Cream of Everything” soup if you find one, just make sure you only use two cans total to keep the liquid ratio correct for the tortillas.

Storing and Reheating Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Leftovers are the best part of this meal! Once the casserole has cooled down, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It keeps really well in the fridge for about three to four days.

Reheating is simple. For a single serving, just microwave it for a minute or two until it’s hot and gooey. If you are reheating the whole dish, cover it loosely with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through. You might notice it’s a little looser after reheating, but it still tastes just as amazing!

Storage Method Time Reheating Suggestion
Airtight Container (Refrigerated) 3–4 days Microwave individual portions
Covered in Dish (Refrigerated) Up to 4 days Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes

Estimated Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that because we are using canned soups and cheese, this is a rich, satisfying meal! The following numbers are just estimates based on the ingredients listed above, divided into six generous servings. It’s comfort food, so enjoy it!

Nutrient Estimate Per Serving
Calories 450
Fat 25g
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 25g

Share Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Experience

I hope this recipe brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine! If you made this King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex, please leave me a star rating below and tell me how your family enjoyed it. I love hearing about your kitchen successes!

Why You Will Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

This isn’t just another chicken bake; it’s a staple for a reason. It comes together shockingly fast and tastes like it simmered all day long. It’s the definition of easy comfort food.

Quick Prep Time for Busy Evenings

You only need about 15 minutes to get this entire thing assembled before it heads into the oven. That means you can get dinner prepped right after work and still sit down to eat before the evening rush takes over.

Layered Flavor and Texture

The magic is absolutely in the layers! You get that creamy, spicy filling hugging soft corn tortillas, all topped off with a thick blanket of melted Cheddar. It’s soft, it’s gooey, and it’s never dry.

Authentic Comfort Food Appeal

This recipe carries the classic spirit of Tex-Mex tradition. It’s hearty, familiar, and perfectly seasoned. If you grew up on casseroles, this one will bring back the best memories, but with a wonderful spicy kick.

Essential Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

The beauty of this casserole is that it relies on pantry staples, which is why it’s such a reliable dish to whip up anytime. You aren’t hunting down specialty items! We need shredded chicken, our creamy soup base, those essential tomatoes with green chiles, corn tortillas, and of course, lots of cheese.

When you look at the ingredient list, don’t let the cans intimidate you; they are what build that classic, quick flavor profile. I’ve organized everything below so you can cross things off easily as you gather supplies.

Ingredient Quantity
Cooked Shredded Chicken 2 cups
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Green Bell Pepper, chopped 1 medium
Vegetable Oil 2 Tbsp
Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel style) 1 (10 oz) can
Corn Tortillas, torn 12
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 2 cups
Chili Powder 1 to 1.25 tsp
Garlic Powder 0.5 tsp
Salt and Pepper To taste

Preparing Your Chicken Base

You absolutely do not need to roast a chicken specifically for this! If you have leftover cooked chicken from the night before, use it. My absolute favorite shortcut is grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves so much time on shredding and makes the prep time fly by even faster. Just make sure you have about two full cups ready to go before you start cooking the veggies.

Equipment Needed for Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

You won’t need a ton of fancy gear for this classic Tex-Mex dish, which keeps cleanup easy! Grab a large skillet for sautéing those aromatics. Then, you’ll need one big mixing bowl to combine everything beautifully. Finally, you need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish, because that’s the only way to truly layer this casserole right. Having everything ready before you start chopping makes the 15-minute prep time feel like a breeze!

Step-by-Step Instructions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Okay, let’s get cooking! Remember, we are aiming for bubbly perfection, so make sure your oven is getting nice and hot while you mix everything up. I always preheat my oven to 350°F right when I start chopping my vegetables. That way, by the time the mixture is ready, the oven is waiting patiently!

Building the Flavorful Chicken Mixture

First things first: heat that vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and green pepper. You want these to sweat down until they are tender—maybe about 5 to 7 minutes. We aren’t trying to brown them, just soften them up nicely. Once they are tender, take them off the heat.

Now for the big bowl! Dump in both cans of soup—the cream of chicken and the cream of mushroom. Add in your diced tomatoes and green chiles (don’t drain them!) along with your chili powder and garlic powder. Give that a good stir. Then, fold in your two cups of shredded chicken. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This creamy, spicy base is the heart of the casserole!

Layering the King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Time to build! Grab your 9×13 dish. Spread out about one-third of your torn corn tortillas across the bottom. Don’t worry about them overlapping perfectly; they soften up in the oven. Next, spoon exactly half of your chicken mixture evenly over those tortillas. Now, sprinkle half of your two cups of Cheddar cheese right on top of that chicken layer.

Repeat the process! Lay down the next third of your tortillas, cover them with the remaining chicken mixture, and then top that with the rest of your cheese. I usually save the last few tortilla pieces to sprinkle right on the very top if I feel like I need a little extra texture there, but if you prefer maximum cheese coverage, just stick to the two main layers.

Baking to Cheesy Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated 350°F oven. You need to bake it uncovered for about 30 to 45 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? That’s the fun part! You are looking for two things: the cheese on top must be completely melted and starting to turn golden brown in spots, and the edges of the casserole should be nice and bubbly. When you see that bubbling, pull it out and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. It holds its shape so much better that way!

Tips for Success Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Even though this casserole is super simple, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Think of these as my personal notes from years of perfecting this recipe for my family dinners. Getting the layers right and the seasoning spot-on makes all the difference between a simple dinner and a show-stopping comfort meal.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The recipe calls for about a teaspoon of chili powder, but you know how it is—everyone likes a different heat level! If you prefer things mild for the kids, stick to just half a teaspoon. If you want a real Tex-Mex kick that warms you up, feel free to bump that up to a full teaspoon and a half, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right into the creamy mixture. Trust me, it really wakes up the flavor!

Texture Options for Tortillas

The recipe works perfectly fine using the tortillas straight out of the package, as they soften beautifully in the sauce. However, if you want a slightly richer, more robust flavor and texture that keeps the layers from getting too mushy, try lightly frying the tortilla pieces first. Just a quick 30 seconds per side in a little hot oil until they are slightly crisp. It adds a wonderful depth that you’ll really notice, especially if you’re serving this for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

I get asked these questions all the time when people first try this recipe. It’s usually about making it ahead or swapping out ingredients I’ve leaned on for years. Don’t worry, this cheesy chicken bake is very forgiving!

Can I Make This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Ahead of Time?

Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead meals. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up, and then add about 10 to 15 minutes extra to the baking time since it’s starting cold. It’s perfect for getting dinner sorted the night before!

What Substitutions Work for the Cream Soups?

The cream of chicken and cream of mushroom combo is essential for that classic texture, but if you absolutely must substitute, you can use one can of cream of celery and one can of cream of chicken. You could also use a single can of “Cream of Everything” soup if you find one, just make sure you only use two cans total to keep the liquid ratio correct for the tortillas. We need that creamy base to soak into those corn tortilla pieces perfectly!

Storing and Reheating Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Leftovers are the best part of this meal! Once the casserole has cooled down, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It keeps really well in the fridge for about three to four days. I try to keep the slices separate so the edges don’t get too soggy.

Reheating is simple. For a single serving, just microwave it for a minute or two until it’s hot and gooey. If you are reheating the whole dish, cover it loosely with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through. You might notice it’s a little looser after reheating, but it still tastes just as amazing! That cheese just melts right back down.

Storage Method Time Reheating Suggestion
Airtight Container (Refrigerated) 3–4 days Microwave individual portions
Covered in Dish (Refrigerated) Up to 4 days Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, listen, this is true comfort food, right? So, these numbers reflect a hearty, cheesy chicken bake, not a salad! The following figures are just estimates based on the ingredients listed above, divided into six generous servings. When you look at the nutrition facts for a classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll see it packs a punch in protein and fat, which is exactly what you want in this kind of Tex-Mex dinner. Enjoy it guilt-free!

Nutrient Estimate Per Serving
Calories 450
Fat 25g
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 25g

Share Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Experience

I truly hope this recipe brings that warm, cheesy hug right to your dinner table! If you took this classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole for a spin this week, please don’t be shy. Head down to the comments, give it a star rating, and let me know what your family thought. Sharing your kitchen wins keeps me inspired to keep posting these tried-and-true favorites!

Why You Will Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

This isn’t just another chicken bake; it’s a staple for a reason. It comes together shockingly fast and tastes like it simmered all day long. It’s the definition of easy comfort food.

Quick Prep Time for Busy Evenings

You only need about 15 minutes to get this entire thing assembled before it heads into the oven. That means you can get dinner prepped right after work and still sit down to eat before the evening rush takes over.

Layered Flavor and Texture

The magic is absolutely in the layers! You get that creamy, spicy filling hugging soft corn tortillas, all topped off with a thick blanket of melted Cheddar. It’s soft, it’s gooey, and it’s never dry.

Authentic Comfort Food Appeal

This recipe carries the classic spirit of Tex-Mex tradition. It’s hearty, familiar, and perfectly seasoned. If you grew up on casseroles, this one will bring back the best memories, but with a wonderful spicy kick.

Essential Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

The beauty of this casserole is that it relies on pantry staples, which is why it’s such a reliable dish to whip up anytime. You aren’t hunting down specialty items! We need shredded chicken, our creamy soup base, those essential tomatoes with green chiles, corn tortillas, and of course, lots of cheese.

When you look at the ingredient list, don’t let the cans intimidate you; they are what build that classic, quick flavor profile. I’ve organized everything below so you can cross things off easily as you gather supplies.

Ingredient Quantity
Cooked Shredded Chicken 2 cups
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Green Bell Pepper, chopped 1 medium
Vegetable Oil 2 Tbsp
Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed) 1 (10.5 oz) can
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel style) 1 (10 oz) can
Corn Tortillas, torn 12
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 2 cups
Chili Powder 1 to 1.25 tsp
Garlic Powder 0.5 tsp
Salt and Pepper To taste

Preparing Your Chicken Base

You absolutely do not need to roast a chicken specifically for this! If you have leftover cooked chicken from the night before, use it. My absolute favorite shortcut is grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves so much time on shredding and makes the prep time fly by even faster. Just make sure you have about two full cups ready to go before you start cooking the veggies.

Equipment Needed for Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

You won’t need a ton of fancy gear for this classic Tex-Mex dish, which keeps cleanup easy! Grab a large skillet for sautéing those aromatics. Then, you’ll need one big mixing bowl to combine everything beautifully. Finally, you need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish, because that’s the only way to truly layer this casserole right. Having everything ready before you start chopping makes the 15-minute prep time feel like a breeze!

Step-by-Step Instructions for King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Okay, let’s get cooking! Remember, we are aiming for bubbly perfection, so make sure your oven is getting nice and hot while you mix everything up. I always preheat my oven to 350°F right when I start chopping my vegetables. That way, by the time the mixture is ready, the oven is waiting patiently!

Building the Flavorful Chicken Mixture

First things first: heat that vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and green pepper. You want these to sweat down until they are tender—maybe about 5 to 7 minutes. We aren’t trying to brown them, just soften them up nicely. Once they are tender, take them off the heat.

Now for the big bowl! Dump in both cans of soup—the cream of chicken and the cream of mushroom. Add in your diced tomatoes and green chiles (don’t drain them!) along with your chili powder and garlic powder. Give that a good stir. Then, fold in your two cups of shredded chicken. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This creamy, spicy base is the heart of the casserole!

Layering the King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Time to build! Grab your 9×13 dish. Spread out about one-third of your torn corn tortillas across the bottom. Don’t worry about them overlapping perfectly; they soften up in the oven. Next, spoon exactly half of your chicken mixture evenly over those tortillas. Now, sprinkle half of your two cups of Cheddar cheese right on top of that chicken layer.

Repeat the process! Lay down the next third of your tortillas, cover them with the remaining chicken mixture, and then top that with the rest of your cheese. I usually save the last few tortilla pieces to sprinkle right on the very top if I feel like I need a little extra texture there, but if you prefer maximum cheese coverage, just stick to the two main layers.

Baking to Cheesy Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated 350°F oven. You need to bake it uncovered for about 30 to 45 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? That’s the fun part! You are looking for two things: the cheese on top must be completely melted and starting to turn golden brown in spots, and the edges of the casserole should be nice and bubbly. When you see that bubbling, pull it out and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. It holds its shape so much better that way!

Tips for Success Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Even though this casserole is super simple, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Think of these as my personal notes from years of perfecting this recipe for my family dinners. Getting the layers right and the seasoning spot-on makes all the difference between a simple dinner and a show-stopping comfort meal.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The recipe calls for about a teaspoon of chili powder, but you know how it is—everyone likes a different heat level! If you prefer things mild for the kids, stick to just half a teaspoon. If you want a real Tex-Mex kick that warms you up, feel free to bump that up to a full teaspoon and a half, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right into the creamy mixture. Trust me, it really wakes up the flavor!

Texture Options for Tortillas

The recipe works perfectly fine using the tortillas straight out of the package, as they soften beautifully in the sauce. However, if you want a slightly richer, more robust flavor and texture that keeps the layers from getting too mushy, try lightly frying the tortilla pieces first. Just a quick 30 seconds per side in a little hot oil until they are slightly crisp. It adds a wonderful depth that you’ll really notice, especially if you’re serving this for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

I get asked these questions all the time when people first try this recipe. It’s usually about making it ahead or swapping out ingredients I’ve leaned on for years. Don’t worry, this cheesy chicken bake is very forgiving!

Can I Make This King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Ahead of Time?

Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead meals. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up, and then add about 10 to 15 minutes extra to the baking time since it’s starting cold. It’s perfect for getting dinner sorted the night before!

What Substitutions Work for the Cream Soups?

The cream of chicken and cream of mushroom combo is essential for that classic texture, but if you absolutely must substitute, you can use one can of cream of celery and one can of cream of chicken. You could also use a single can of “Cream of Everything” soup if you find one, just make sure you only use two cans total to keep the liquid ratio correct for the tortillas. We need that creamy base to soak into those corn tortilla pieces perfectly!

Storing and Reheating Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Leftovers are the best part of this meal! Once the casserole has cooled down, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It keeps really well in the fridge for about three to four days. I try to keep the slices separate so the edges don’t get too soggy.

Reheating is simple. For a single serving, just microwave it for a minute or two until it’s hot and gooey. If you are reheating the whole dish, cover it loosely with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through. You might notice it’s a little looser after reheating, but it still tastes just as amazing! That cheese just melts right back down.

Storage Method Time Reheating Suggestion
Airtight Container (Refrigerated) 3–4 days Microwave individual portions
Covered in Dish (Refrigerated) Up to 4 days Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, listen, this is true comfort food, right? So, these numbers reflect a hearty, cheesy chicken bake, not a salad! The following figures are just estimates based on the ingredients listed above, divided into six generous servings. When you look at the nutrition facts for a classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll see it packs a punch in protein and fat, which is exactly what you want in this kind of Tex-Mex dinner. Enjoy it guilt-free!

Nutrient Estimate Per Serving
Calories 450
Fat 25g
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 25g

Share Your King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex Experience

I truly hope this recipe brings that warm, cheesy hug right to your dinner table! If you took this classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole for a spin this week, please don’t be shy. Head down to the comments, give it a star rating, and let me know what your family thought. Sharing your kitchen wins keeps me inspired to keep posting these tried-and-true favorites!

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex

Amazing King Ranch Chicken Casserole – Classic Tex‑Mex


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  • Author: anna kowalska
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic, comforting Tex-Mex dish featuring shredded chicken, creamy soup base, tomatoes with green chiles, and layers of corn tortillas topped with melted cheese. This recipe delivers rich, familiar flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 to 1.25 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until they become tender.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded chicken.
  4. Spread one layer of the torn corn tortillas across the bottom of your casserole dish.
  5. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle this layer with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
  6. Repeat the process: place the remaining tortillas over the cheese, top with the rest of the chicken mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
  7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese melts completely and the casserole is bubbly.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preference for spice.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, you can lightly fry the tortilla pieces before layering.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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