Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this classic and flavorful King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, this hearty casserole features layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, cheese, and tortillas, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, along with the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Place 6 corn tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom.
- Spoon half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining 6 corn tortillas, chicken mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the King Ranch Chicken Casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other ingredients such as black beans, corn, or diced green chilies for extra flavor and texture.
- You can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if you prefer.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion:
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, cheese, and tortillas, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether served for a cozy weeknight dinner or at a festive gathering, this classic Tex-Mex casserole is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
