Looking for more family-friendly casseroles that are simple and loved by all? We’ve got you covered! Try million dollar spaghetti, cheeseburger casserole, or crack chicken casserole next!
What is King Ranch Chicken?
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a winning dinner for almost everyone that tries it! The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, tortilla chips and plenty of cheese is so irresistible. It has delicious Tex Mex flavors with satisfying textures that are so delicious. Plus, it’s simple to throw together for busy weeknights! King Ranch chicken gets its name from the King Ranch in Texas, although the actual history of the dish is unknown and there is no direct connection between the recipe and the ranch. But it does make me think of something you would eat on a ranch! It’s like a pan of chicken nachos, and your favorite comforting casserole rolled into one bubbling meal of heavenly comfort food.
Ingredients Needed
This king ranch chicken casserole recipe uses many pantry staples for a crowd-pleasing affordable dinner! It’s a great recipe for using up leftover shredded chicken, if you have it. You can find exact measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables. Bell Peppers: One green bell pepper and one red bell pepper add color, flavor and texture. Yellow Onion: Sautéed with the peppers to add wonderful savory flavor. Chicken: Use any cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s convenient and adds so much extra flavor. Fire Roasted Tomatoes: The extra char from the canned fire-roasted tomatoes adds major depth of flavor in this recipe. Green Chiles: For just a little kick of heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild or leave them out completely. Canned Soup: A combination of cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup create the creamy sauce that holds the filling ingredients together. Seasonings: Garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper give this dish lots of depth and bold flavor. Cheese: A blend of cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese for melted cheesy goodness. For maximum flavor and better melting, grate your own cheese from a block. Corn Tortilla Chips: Soaks up the sauce, and adds great texture to the dish.
How to Make King Ranch Chicken
King ranch chicken casserole comes together with very little effort. The simple steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Once you sauté the veggies, mix them with the chicken, soup, and spices. Then assemble all of the layers in a pan and bake! Here’s how to make it:
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix and add an additional teaspoon of chili powder. Using Tortillas: Some recipes use corn tortillas or flour tortillas in place of the chips but I prefer the way the chips absorb some of the liquid. If preferred, you can layer tortillas instead of the chips. Rest After Baking: Allow at least 10 minutes for the casserole to rest, so the flavors have a chance to meld and the casserole can set slightly. Sides: Looking for some sides that would pair deliciously to make this a complete meal? Serve this with air fryer corn on the cob, homemade refried beans and/or Mexican rice. Toppings: We love to add toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
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