King Ranch Chicken Casserole

With each scoop of King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you realize why it’s a coveted recipe in Southern kitchens. This delightful dish, designed to hit all the savory notes, just feels right for a lazy Sunday dinner, a leftover-ready weekday lunch, or an attention-grabbing potluck contestant! There’s something about the crunchy tortilla chips, the oozing cheese, and the comforting layers of chicken. The casserole may seem humble, but y’all, this stuff is the real deal! It’s downright comforting, and I promise, your taste buds will be doing all sorts of happy dances.

One can’t review King Ranch Chicken Casserole without mentioning its heritage. Bearing Texas’s iconic King Ranch’s name, its exact origins might be foggy, but its dreamy combination of flavor is as clear as a Hill Country day. The readers, I reckon, would go gaga for this true Southern comfort food.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 casserole

So, buddies, buckle up and get ready to raid your kitchen because we’re diving into the how-tos of whipping up this hearty beauty!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 3 cups diced chicken
• 1 cup green pepper
• 1 cup red onion
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 10 oz can tomatoes with green chilies
• 12-15 tortillas

You’ll also need a 9×13 baking dish for this recipe.

Remember, the chicken is the star of this show. Good quality, well-cooked chicken chunks make the casserole hearty and satisfying. Also, the variety of soup adds a creamy, soulful touch to the dish. Yet, in case you encounter dietary restrictions, feel free to switch things up: turkey could replace chicken and tofu for a vegetarian twist.

How To Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350��F. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the soup, tomatoes with green chilies, diced, cooked chicken, chopped peppers, and chopped onion.
2. Next, layer the bottom of your 9×13 baking dish with half of the tortillas, followed by half of the chicken mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat once more, ensuring to finish with a top layer of cheese.
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use rotisserie chicken if possible. It adds a wicked flavor punch!
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to let the dish twine together.

Storage Tips

• King Ranch Chicken Casserole works excellent for leftovers. Tightly cover the dish with foil, and it will keep in the fridge for 4 days.
• You can even freeze the casserole. Just let it cool completely, then cover it with foil and put it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: King Ranch Chicken Casserole has a bit of a kick, but it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by the type and amount of chilies you use.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Low-fat or part-skim cheeses would work just as fine.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?

A: Make sure your chicken is well-drained and not overly juicy. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole, refrigerate, and then bake it when you are ready to serve. It makes this a terrific time saver for busy days.

Q: Does this recipe freeze well?

A: Indeed! Just let it cool completely, then cover it with foil and put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven.

Nutritional Facts of King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Calories: 435
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 30g

Upon all said and done, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe earns my seal of approval hands down! It’s a flavor-town bundled in a fun, bake dish! This would pair perfectly with a side of salad or roasted veggies for a complete, wholesome meal. Bon App��tit, y’all!