King Ranch Chicken Recipe with Creamy Sauce and Cheesy Topping

Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Casserole

This King Ranch Casserole is a comforting classic that brings the flavors of Texas straight to your table. As a hearty dish, it serves 8 to 12 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or busy nights when you need something satisfying. You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Beyond its ease, this casserole shines with health benefits from ingredients like lean proteins and fiber-rich veggies that keep you energized. Whether you’re a busy parent or a food enthusiast, its adaptability means you can tweak it to fit your lifestyle, from vegan swaps to gluten-free options. Plus, the spicy, creamy blend offers a distinctive taste that sets it apart from ordinary dinners.

Ease of Preparation

This recipe is straightforward and ideal for busy weeknights, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking. With minimal steps, even beginners can whip it up without stress, allowing more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones. The prep-ahead option means you can store it in the fridge for up to a day or freeze it for up to three months.

Nutritional Advantages

Packed with shredded roasted chicken for protein, along with fresh peppers and onions, this casserole supports wellness by providing essential nutrients. The blend of spices adds flavor without overloading on calories, making it a smart choice for diet-conscious individuals. Vegetables like bell peppers bring vitamins, as highlighted in resources like health benefits of bell peppers, to keep your meals both tasty and balanced.

Versatility and Flavor

You can easily modify this dish for different needs, such as using corn tortillas over tortilla chips for the perfect texture. The Southwestern spices create a memorable, spicy kick that appeals to food enthusiasts and travelers alike. It’s no wonder this recipe, inspired by Texas traditions, becomes a go-to for creating memorable moments around the table.

To explore more casserole ideas, check out our chicken taco casserole recipe for another flavorful option.

Essential Ingredients for King Ranch Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this King Ranch Casserole a success. This section lists everything you’ll need, based on the classic Texas recipe that combines creamy, spicy elements with hearty layers. We’ll break it down into main ingredients and special dietary options to help you prepare with ease.

• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded roasted chicken
• 16 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Special Dietary Options

For those with specific needs, this dish adapts well. Here are some swaps to consider:

• Vegan: Replace shredded chicken with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese along with dairy-free cream soups.
• Gluten-free: Stick with corn tortillas and ensure all canned items are gluten-free certified.
• Low-calorie: Opt for reduced-fat cheese and add extra veggies to lighten it up.

For more on the nutritional side of chicken dishes, visit nutrition and health benefits from the National Chicken Council.

How to Prepare the Perfect King Ranch Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this King Ranch Casserole is a breeze with these clear steps. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, as that’s the key temperature for baking to get that bubbly, golden finish. This guide incorporates the creamy sauce and layering technique to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

1. First, heat 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing until softened.
2. Next, stir in the seasonings: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, along with the cans of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to make the sauce.
3. Then, in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, layer half of the 16 torn corn tortillas, followed by 4 cups of shredded roasted chicken, and half of the sauce mixture.
4. After that, add half of the 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Finally, cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to blend the flavors perfectly.

The total preparation time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. For similar layered dishes, try our Ritz cracker chicken casserole for a crunchy twist.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your King Ranch Casserole

One of the best parts of King Ranch Casserole is how flexible it is for different dietary preferences. You can swap ingredients to make it fit your needs without losing that signature taste. Let’s look at some easy changes to keep things simple and delicious.

For protein options, consider replacing the shredded chicken with ground turkey or even beans for a vegetarian twist. When adjusting vegetables, try zucchini instead of bell peppers to add a fresh crunch or reduce sodium by using homemade salsa in place of canned tomatoes.

• Protein alternatives: Ground turkey or plant-based substitutes keep the dish hearty.
• Vegetable swaps: Mushrooms can replace peppers for a different texture and flavor.
• Seasoning tweaks: Add smoked paprika for a smoky note that enhances the overall profile.

Making It Allergy-Friendly

Adapting for allergies is straightforward, like using dairy-free cheese to avoid issues. This approach ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the meal, reflecting the blog’s goal of making recipes accessible.

Mastering King Ranch Casserole: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, elevate your King Ranch Casserole with these pro tips. Lightly toasting the corn tortillas before layering prevents sogginess and adds a nice crunch. Experimenting with flavors, such as adding chipotle peppers, can bring a smoky heat that transforms the dish.

For more ideas on chicken variations, our fajita chicken casserole offers exciting twists. Make-ahead options let you assemble ahead and bake fresh, keeping convenience at the forefront.

How to Store King Ranch Casserole: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your King Ranch Casserole tasting great for days. After baking, let it cool before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is simple too just portion it out for easy meals later.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep it moist and flavorful.

This method supports meal prep for working professionals, ensuring you always have a home-cooked option ready.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About King Ranch Casserole

King Ranch Casserole

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Contains gluten (corn tortillas)

Print Recipe

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Description

🍗 Savor the classic Texas flavors of King Ranch Chicken, featuring a creamy, spicy sauce and melted cheeses for a comforting meal.
🧀 This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd with its hearty layers of shredded chicken and corn tortillas topped with a cheesy golden crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1/2 cup chicken broth

4 cups shredded roasted chicken

16 corn tortillas, torn into pieces

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

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Instructions

1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing until softened.

2-Next, stir in the seasonings: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, along with the cans of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to make the sauce.

3-Then, in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, layer half of the 16 torn corn tortillas, followed by 4 cups of shredded roasted chicken, and half of the sauce mixture.

4-After that, add half of the 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

5-Finally, cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to blend the flavors perfectly.

Notes

🌶️ Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spiciness.
🌽 Use corn tortillas for the ideal texture instead of tortilla chips.
❄️ Prep ahead and freeze for up to 3 months for easy meals later.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Casserole
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal (approximate)
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken,Creamy Chicken Casserole,Tex-Mex Casserole,Cheesy Chicken Dish