Spicy, Soul-Warming King Ranch Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

King ranch chicken emerges as a legendary Texan comfort dish that captures hearts with its creamy, spicy essence.

Layers of tender chicken, tortillas, and rich sauce create a mouthwatering casserole beloved across the Lone Star State.

Southwest flavors dance through every bite, blending cheese, chiles, and savory proteins into a harmonious meal.

Home cooks treasure this classic recipe for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing magic.

Generations have passed down this delightful culinary tradition, making it a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.

Cheese bubbles, tortillas soften, and aromas fill the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

You’ll want to dive right into this delectable Texan treasure that promises pure, comforting satisfaction.

King Ranch Chicken’s Bold Southwestern Flavor Experience

• Conquer Quick Comfort Food: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hunger pangs with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like roast beef or ground beef, plus optional toppings that let everyone craft their perfect sandwich.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Bold combinations of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth create a rich, deeply savory profile that elevates standard sandwiches.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey melted cheese, hearty meat, and crispy toasted rolls that make this a crowd-pleasing dinner option.

Ingredients List For King Ranch Chicken Bliss

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein that provides a hearty and tender base for the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: These create delicious layers and add a traditional Tex-Mex texture to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: These creamy soups form a rich and smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Ro-Tel Tomatoes: These diced tomatoes with green chilies add a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and enhance the sauce's overall consistency and depth of flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These sauteed vegetables provide a sweet and aromatic base that adds depth to the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: These spices create a warm, complex flavor profile typical of Tex-Mex cuisine.

• Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp, creamy topping that melts beautifully and creates a golden crust.

• Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions: These fresh herbs provide a bright, fresh finish to the rich casserole.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Used to saute the vegetables and provide a rich base flavor.

Step-By-Step King Ranch Chicken Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 350F and grab a casserole dish. Give the dish a quick spray of cooking spray or rub with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables turn soft and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Ro-Tel tomatoes
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Chicken broth

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Tear corn tortillas into chunks and spread them across the bottom of the baking dish.

This creates a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 5: Add First Protein Layer

Sprinkle shredded chicken over the tortilla base.

Cover the tortillas completely with the tender chicken pieces.

Step 6: Spread Vegetable Layer

Scatter the sautéed onions and bell peppers evenly over the chicken.

These will add wonderful flavor and texture.

Step 7: Pour First Sauce Layer

Drizzle half of the creamy soup mixture across the vegetables, ensuring everything gets a nice coating.

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Repeat the previous three steps: tortillas, chicken, vegetables, and remaining sauce mixture. This builds depth of flavor.

Step 9: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole. The cheese will create a golden, bubbly top.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Optional but recommended: Scatter fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Little Extras For Great King Ranch Chicken Night

• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
• Choose low-sodium soups to control salt intake and create a healthier version.
• Pat chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal preparation with consistent flavor.
• Experiment with pepper jack or monterey jack cheese for a spicier twist on the classic recipe.

Mix Up King Ranch Chicken With These New Twists

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Replace Ro-Tel with fresh jalapeños and add pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Green Chile Chicken Version: Swap tomatoes with diced green chiles and use monterey jack cheese for a New Mexico-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute chicken with black beans and add roasted corn kernels to maintain hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Family Style: Use corn tortilla chips instead of torn tortillas and select gluten-free cream soups for a celiac-friendly approach.

Tasty Sides That Pair With King Ranch Chicken

• Serve this hearty casserole with a colorful southwest-style salad featuring mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The fresh salad will complement the rich, cheesy chicken dish perfectly.
• Pair the King Ranch Chicken with warm Mexican rice and crispy tortilla chips. Add a small side of sour cream and fresh salsa for dipping, creating a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates Tex-Mex flavors.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious breakfast by topping a slice with a sunny-side-up egg. Serve alongside avocado slices and hot sauce for a morning twist that adds extra protein and excitement to your plate.

Save Leftover King Ranch Chicken For Tomorrow’s Lunch

• Store leftover King Ranch Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger amounts, bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

FAQs

• What are the main flavor-boosting ingredients in King Ranch Chicken?

The key flavor enhancers are Ro-Tel tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, which give the dish its signature Tex-Mex zesty and slightly spicy profile.

• Is King Ranch Chicken a traditional Mexican dish?

No, it’s actually a classic Texan casserole that originated in the 1950s, created by home cooks as a creative way to use leftover chicken and pantry ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken embodies Texan comfort food with rich, layered flavors. Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this hearty casserole that satisfies hungry guests with its cheesy, spicy charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 cups chicken (cooked, shredded)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 10–12 corn tortillas (small)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Cilantro (fresh, optional)
• Green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a greased casserole dish for layering.
2. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth until smooth and well-combined.
4. Create the first foundational layer by evenly distributing torn corn tortillas across the bottom of the casserole dish, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Distribute half of the shredded chicken uniformly over the tortilla base, providing a consistent protein layer.
6. Spread half of the sautéed vegetable mixture across the chicken, followed by pouring half of the prepared soup mixture to enhance moisture and flavor.
7. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of torn tortillas, remaining chicken, vegetables, and pour the remaining soup mixture to complete the casserole structure.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a rich and melty surface.
9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
10. Remove foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free or whole wheat versions for dietary preferences and added nutrition.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soups and controlling salt content during vegetable sautéing.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and enhanced flavor depth.
• For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder and cumin measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg