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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect Tex-Mex comfort food, packed with shredded chicken, a creamy sauce, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and layers of melty cheese. It’s easy to make, deliciously rich, and perfect for a family dinner or potluck!


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 23 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Optional Additions:

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Shred rotisserie chicken or cook and shred fresh chicken.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Sauté chopped onions until soft.
    • Stir in Rotel, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
    • Add spices and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Layer the Casserole:
    • Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
    • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
    • Add tortilla pieces, shredded chicken, and cheese.
    • Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
  5. Bake the Casserole:
    • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
    • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments.
  • Customization: Add black beans, bacon, jalapeños, or extra veggies for variety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex