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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting Tex-Mex dish featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies, sautéed onions and bell peppers, crunchy corn tortilla chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dairy & Creamy Base

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Crunchy Layers

  • 3 cups crushed crunchy corn tortilla chips

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional

  • Cooking spray for baking dish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of crushed corn tortilla chips over the chicken mixture, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layering with remaining chicken mixture, chips, and cheese, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
  3. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  4. Let It Rest Then Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded chicken for best texture and flavor.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to keep layers intact when serving.
  • Adjust spices to taste, adding less chili powder initially if you prefer mild heat.
  • Distribute tortilla chips evenly in each layer for consistent crunch.
  • Cover with foil during most of the baking time to prevent cheese from over-browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, chicken casserole, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/king-ranch-chicken-casserole/