Description
Craving something warm, hearty, and crowd-pleasing? This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a cheesy, creamy, layered Tex-Mex masterpiece. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, flavorful veggies, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed win for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a make-ahead dish, or new food ideas to impress the family, this quick casserole recipe is your next favorite.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion, green and red bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season to taste.
3. Fold in the shredded chicken and heat through for 2 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
5. Layer tortillas on the bottom, followed by 1/3 chicken mixture, and then cheese. Repeat twice more, ending with cheese on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Optional: broil last 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
7. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve.
Notes
Let the casserole rest before slicing to avoid runny servings.
For a spicy kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables—it brings out depth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken casserole, king ranch chicken, make ahead meals, comfort food, quick dinner