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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex inspired bake featuring tender chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and layers of cheese and corn tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals, it balances rich flavors and easy preparation for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Base

  • 12 corn tortillas, preferably day-old, torn into pieces

Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, drained slightly

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cook chicken by boiling, baking, or shredding a rotisserie chicken until tender. Set aside to cool before using.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened and slightly translucent to release their sweetness.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add the cream of chicken soup, drained Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, ground cumin, and chili powder to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir and heat gently until everything is well combined and fragrant.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish. Begin by laying down a layer of torn corn tortillas, then spread a portion of the sauce mixture over them. Add a layer of cooked chicken followed by a sprinkle of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Use day-old tortillas to prevent sogginess and maintain structure.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
  • Mix sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a balanced melt and flavor.
  • Shred chicken finely for even distribution in every bite.
  • Adjust spices gradually and taste the sauce before assembling to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, creamy chicken bake, layered chicken casserole, easy weeknight casserole, comfort food, baked chicken dish

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