Bold, cheesy, and layered with irresistible Tex-Mex flavors, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll come back to again and again. Loaded with juicy chicken, creamy soups, and spicy peppers, all baked between tender corn tortillas and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this casserole delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite. If you loved our Chicken Enchilada Bake, this is your next big hit!
What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
Named after the famed King Ranch in Texas (though with no confirmed connection), this casserole is a Tex-Mex staple made from layers of chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with Southwestern flair. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this cheesy, savory dish definitely delivers!
Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Creamy and Cheesy Layers
Cream of mushroom and chicken soups blend with peppers, tomatoes, and spices to create a luscious, spicy sauce that coats every bite.
Perfect for Leftover Chicken
Use rotisserie chicken or any leftover shredded chicken to make this dish even easier.
Freezer-Friendly and Make-Ahead
This casserole can be made ahead and even frozen—great for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you’re a fan of our Chicken Tortilla Casserole, think of this as the richer, spicier cousin.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Quick Overview
Layer cooked chicken, sauce, tortillas, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s that simple!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1 cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Sauté onion and bell peppers for about 2 minutes until just softened.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies, both soups, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, cumin, ancho and chipotle chile powder, and oregano.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a few tablespoons of sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half the chicken, then half the sauce, then 1/3 of the cheese.
- Layer half the tortillas, followed by remaining chicken, nearly all remaining sauce (save 1/2 cup), and another 1/3 of the cheese.
- Add the rest of the tortillas, reserved sauce, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake and Broil:
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbling.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden on top.
What to Serve with King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Pair with a crisp green salad, Spanish rice, or black beans for a well-rounded Tex-Mex meal. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for added flair.
Top Tips for Perfecting King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds depth of flavor.
- Corn Tortillas Work Best: They hold up better than flour tortillas in baked casseroles.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the chili powders to taste. For more spice, add jalapeños.
- Broil for a Crispy Top: The final broil adds beautiful color and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead? You can, but corn tortillas are traditional and better for texture.
What cheese works best? Sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend melt beautifully and add rich flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a bold, comforting Tex-Mex favorite that layers all your favorite flavors in one easy dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck, this casserole brings Southern comfort to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., RO*TEL®)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1 cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté diced onion and both bell peppers for 2 minutes until softened.
- In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, and all spices. Stir until well combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread a few tablespoons of the sauce in the bottom.
- Layer half the chicken, then half the sauce, then 1/3 of the cheese.
- Top with half the tortillas, then remaining chicken, most of the remaining sauce, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
- Add remaining tortillas, spread the last of the sauce, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Corn tortillas hold up best in casseroles. Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spice level. Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.