King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex comfort dish layered with creamy chicken filling, melty cheese, and soft tortillas—all baked until bubbling and golden. Named after the famous King Ranch in Texas (though with no confirmed link), this hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, pleasing picky eaters, and delivering bold, satisfying flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern comfort food
• Packed with creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex flavor
• Simple to make with pantry staples
• Great way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping
• Layers like lasagna, but with tortillas
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Can be made ahead and frozen
• Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
• One of the most satisfying casseroles you’ll ever make

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Chopped onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder or taco seasoning
• Sour cream (optional, for creamier texture)
• Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
• Butter or oil (for sautéing veggies)
• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and green bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, sour cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Cut tortillas into halves or quarters. Layer the bottom of the casserole dish with tortillas.
5. Spread a layer of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Use flour tortillas for a softer texture
• Add a can of black beans or corn for extra substance
• Spice it up with jalapeños or cayenne pepper
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with another can of cream of chicken if preferred
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Top with cilantro, avocado, or green onions for freshness
• Add cooked bacon or chorizo for more flavor depth

storage/reheating

To Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes), or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Why is it called King Ranch Chicken?

It’s named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, though there’s no known connection—just classic Tex-Mex flair.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, flour tortillas work well and give a slightly softer texture.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has mild heat from the tomatoes with green chilies, but you can control the spice by adding or omitting extra seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely—turkey is a great substitute, especially for holiday leftovers.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack all melt well and complement the flavors.

Do I need to cook the tortillas first?

No, just layer them in as they are—they’ll soften as the casserole bakes.

How do I make it creamier?

Add extra sour cream or a splash of milk to the filling mixture for a creamier texture.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes! Cut into squares and freeze in airtight containers for easy meals.

What sides go well with King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Serve it with a simple green salad, Spanish rice, refried beans, or tortilla chips.

Conclusion

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a tried-and-true Southern classic that delivers on every level—comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. With layers of creamy chicken, spicy tomatoes, soft tortillas, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

Print