What is King Ranch casserole made of?

King Ranch casserole is a Tex-Mex dish typically made with layers of cooked chicken, corn tortillas, a creamy sauce made from condensed soup (such as cream of mushroom and cream of chicken), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheese. The ingredients are layered and baked together until bubbly and golden. This combination creates a flavorful, hearty casserole that's popular in Texas and beyond.

Where does the name King Ranch chicken come from?

The exact origin of the name "King Ranch chicken" is uncertain. It is rumored to be named after the King Ranch in South Texas, though the ranch does not officially claim to have created the dish. Another theory is that it drew inspiration from Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, which feature similar ingredients such as tortillas, sauce, and cheese. Regardless of its true origin, it has become a classic comfort food.

How do I make King Ranch casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

You can prepare King Ranch casserole ahead by assembling it in a foil-lined baking dish and covering it tightly with foil. Freeze until solid, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually about 30 to 40 minutes.

Can I customize King Ranch chicken casserole for dietary restrictions?

Yes, King Ranch casserole can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and soup alternatives. To make it gluten-free, substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas and check that all canned soups are gluten-free. You can also increase the vegetable content or use shredded turkey or plant-based protein as alternatives to chicken.

What are some common side dishes to serve with King Ranch casserole?

Popular side dishes to complement King Ranch casserole include Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh green salad, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. These sides balance the richness of the casserole and add variety to the meal. Serving it with chips and salsa or a simple guacamole also enhances the Tex-Mex dining experience.

King Ranch Casserole Recipe With Creamy Sauce And Cheese

Name: King Ranch Casserole
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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