King Ranch Casserole

Introduction

King Ranch Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the best of Tex-Mex flavors to your table. It is a layered casserole made with chicken, cheese, and tortillas. This one-dish meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite for family dinners or potlucks.

Why Make This Recipe

Making King Ranch Casserole is a great choice because it’s simple and quick to prepare. You likely have most of the ingredients at home, which makes it convenient for busy nights. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time and bake later. Plus, everyone loves a dish that combines chicken, cheese, and creamy goodness!

How to Make King Ranch Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
10 corn tortillas
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, bell peppers, onion, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the corn tortillas on the bottom. You can tear them into smaller pieces if needed to fit the pan.
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Make sure to cover them evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining corn tortillas. Then add the rest of the chicken mixture and finish with the remaining cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting King Ranch Casserole!

How to Serve King Ranch Casserole

Serve the King Ranch Casserole warm from the oven. You can add sliced jalapeños on top if you like some heat. Pair it with a simple side salad or some guacamole for a complete meal. It’s also great with tortilla chips for extra crunch.

How to Store King Ranch Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it well with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat it, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a bit more time to ensure it’s heated through.

Tips to Make King Ranch Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s already cooked and shredded!
Feel free to add more veggies like corn or black beans for extra nutrition.
Adjust the spices to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by swapping out the chicken for black beans or cooked lentils. You can also use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I make King Ranch Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, flour tortillas can work, but corn tortillas give it that classic texture.
How do I reheat King Ranch Casserole? You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm. It can also be microwaved for a quick meal.

King Ranch Casserole is truly a delight for any day of the week! Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dish!