Name: King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream, for serving (optional); Green onions or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. This hearty, crowd-pleasing bake layers tender shredded chicken, spicy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce between soft corn tortillas. Finished off with a golden, bubbly cheddar top, it delivers bold flavor in every forkful.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a make-ahead meal for the week, this casserole is your go-to. It’s easy to assemble, highly customizable, and tastes even better the next day. If you love recipes that taste like home and warm the soul, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is one to keep in your regular rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious casserole, gathering the right tools will make the process smoother and faster:

Large Skillet: To sauté your onions, garlic, and peppers for a deeply flavored base.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple to combine your filling mixture and keep ingredients organized.
9×13 Baking Dish: This is essential for layering and baking the casserole evenly. A ceramic or glass dish retains heat well and gives you that golden crust.

Whisk or Silicone Spatula: For stirring your creamy sauce without scratching your cookware.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: To chop vegetables cleanly and quickly.
Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture during baking and ensures the casserole doesn’t dry out.

Having everything prepped and within reach keeps your kitchen stress-free and your dish delicious.

Ingredients for the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Every ingredient in this casserole plays an important role in building bold, savory layers:

Shredded Cooked Chicken: The star of the dish, it soaks up the creamy sauce and adds hearty texture.

Corn Tortillas: These act as the “pasta” layers, holding everything together and offering a slight chew.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides rich, comforting creaminess.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds an earthy depth and velvety texture.

Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings a punch of heat and acidity to balance the richness.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build a flavorful base.
Bell Peppers (Green or Red): Offer a sweet, fresh crunch in every bite.

Chili Powder & Cumin: These spices introduce warm, smoky Tex-Mex flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp, and irresistible when golden on top.
Sour Cream (optional for serving): A dollop on top adds a cool contrast to the heat.

How To Make the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender. Add chili powder and cumin, stirring to bloom the spices.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with shredded chicken, both soups, and Rotel tomatoes. Mix until evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Start by layering torn corn tortillas on the bottom, then spread a third of the chicken mixture over. Repeat with more tortillas and filling, creating 3 layers total. Finish with a generous topping of shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let it rest for 10 minutes. Top with sour cream, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro for extra flair.

How to Serve and Store King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Once baked and golden, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a scoop of sour cream for a pop of color and contrast. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. For a Tex-Mex vibe, serve alongside rice or refried beans.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

It has a mild to moderate spice level from the Rotel tomatoes. You can use a mild version or substitute plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful option. You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken breasts.

Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Yes! Wrap it well before or after baking and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What if I don’t have corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas work in a pinch, but they tend to get a bit soggier. For the classic texture, stick with corn.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soups and certified gluten-free corn tortillas to keep the dish celiac-friendly.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Tex-Mex Kick?

If this King Ranch Chicken Casserole hit the spot, you might fall in love with these other savory, oven-baked creations:

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a hearty, comforting twist.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole bursting with spicy-sweet flavor.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, cheesy pasta bake.
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole that kids (and adults!) go wild for.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re craving something creamy and indulgent.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra spice or try a different cheese blend? Maybe swapped tortillas for chips?

I love hearing your twists and tips. Don’t be shy—drop your questions or suggestions below, and let’s share the deliciousness.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Tex-Mex comfort dish made with layers of shredded chicken, spicy tomatoes, tortillas, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this satisfying casserole delivers bold flavor in every bite.

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Stir in chili powder and cumin to release flavor.

2. In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir until well combined.

3. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer torn corn tortillas on the bottom, followed by a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers twice more.

4. Top the final layer with shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or cilantro if desired.