Dreaming of a bubbling, creamy classic with tons of Tex-Mex flair? The Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is everything you crave in a comfort dish—savory chicken, colorful veggies, and layers of cheesy goodness all baked to golden perfection. This one-pan wonder comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights but feels festive for gatherings, and it practically begs for second helpings. Perfect balance, big flavor, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients create this show-stopping casserole. Every component plays a key role—be it for flavor, texture, or that irresistible melted-cheese top!
- Shredded Chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works beautifully and speeds things up.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté brings out the depth in your veggies—don’t skip this tiny step!
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Builds a sweet, savory base that infuses the casserole with rich flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Offers a tender crunch and lovely color.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Rounds out the veggie trio with a gentle, sweet note and vibrant hue.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The creamy backbone that makes every bite comforting.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds earthiness and another hit of creaminess to the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 ounces, undrained): For tang, heat, and that signature Tex-Mex zest.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Lends a luscious, tangy richness that ties everything together.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): The spice that whispers “Tex-Mex” in every forkful.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers savory warmth and depth of flavor.
- Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Brings smokiness and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into the mix and forms that irresistible golden-bubbly topping.
- Corn Tortillas (10 small, cut into quarters): Layered like lasagna noodles, they soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and fresh flavor to finish things off.
How to Make Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes for effortless serving later. Having everything ready to go helps the cooking process stay quick and smooth!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Let everything sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often. This step softens the veggies and brings out their natural sweetness—the foundation of your Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Grab a big bowl and combine your shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, both cans of soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and half the shredded cheddar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is where all those comforting flavors come together!
Step 4: Layer the Goodness
Scatter half of your tortilla quarters in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, creating a hearty middle layer. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture, so you have layers, just like lasagna. Don’t forget to finish with the second half of cheddar cheese for maximum meltiness!
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for those gorgeous golden bubbles of cheese on top—when you see them, you know it’s ready. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before dishing it up (trust me, it makes for cleaner slices)!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if you like a hint of brightness and color. It’s the finishing touch that makes the Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole extra inviting.
How to Serve Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped cilantro is classic, but you can also try thinly sliced scallions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few slices of avocado. Each garnish brings a burst of freshness and helps balance the casserole’s creamy, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple sides like a crisp green salad, fluffy rice, or black beans for the ultimate meal. I love adding a pile of tortilla chips on the table for extra crunch or some roasted veggies for color and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole into a crowd-pleasing potluck offering by baking in individual ramekins or muffin tins for easy, portable servings. Or serve in wide shallow bowls with a sprinkle of cotija and lime wedges for a bistro touch. Don’t be afraid to customize the look to suit your gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even deeper as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
This casserole is a great make-ahead candidate! Assemble the layers, then wrap tightly and freeze (unbaked) for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil to keep the cheese melty and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Do I have to use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are traditional for Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole and add a distinctive texture, but flour tortillas can be swapped in if you prefer a softer, less rustic feel.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready, adding a little extra time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best chicken to use?
A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extra speedy, but any cooked, shredded chicken (even leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breasts) will work wonderfully.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, corn, or black beans all fit perfectly. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked and drained well before layering them in.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level is mild and family-friendly, since the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder are modest. If you like things spicy, toss in fresh jalapeños or use a hotter variety of canned chilies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that makes everyone at the table happy, you can’t go wrong with Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Simple to make, rich in flavor, and ready to become a staple in your recipe rotation, it’s a hug in casserole form—so give it a try and watch your loved ones ask for it again and again!
Print
Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family meal. Layers of shredded chicken, bell peppers, tortillas, and cheese come together with a blend of spices for a delicious baked casserole.
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Additional Ingredients:
- 10 small corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers in olive oil until softened.
- Mix chicken mixture: Combine cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, soups, diced tomatoes, sour cream, spices, and half of the cheese.
- Layer casserole: Alternate layers of tortillas and chicken mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute flour tortillas or add jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *