Name: Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel); 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters); 1 small onion (diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for comfort food that delivers on big Southern flavor without fuss, this Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, zesty tomatoes and green chilies, gooey cheese, and layers of tender corn tortillas, this Tex-Mex classic brings a fiesta to your dinner table with minimal prep time. Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is hearty enough for family gatherings but easy enough to whip up on any busy weekday, thanks to a smart blend of pantry staples that come together in cheesy, bubbling, irresistible harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here matters, creating the unmistakable flavor and melty texture of this beloved Tex-Mex bake. You’ll love how these simple items transform effortlessly into the coziest, crowd-pleasing Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

Cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or any pre-cooked chicken for a shortcut and deeply savory base.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds rich creaminess and classic comfort your family will recognize in every bite.
Cream of mushroom soup: Lends an earthy, velvety layer that amplifies the casserole’s depth.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel): These bring a punchy kick and that Tex-Mex tang this dish is famous for.
Sour cream: Makes every layer extra luscious, balancing the spices and heat.
Chili powder: Infuses gentle heat and warmth, giving the casserole its signature zing.
Garlic powder: Brings savory undertones in every bite.
Onion powder: Highlights the flavors and ties the filling together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The golden, bubbling topper and the glue that melds all the flavors as it melts.
Corn tortillas (cut into quarters): The base for the casserole’s hearty texture and signature rustic flavor.
Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a tender bite when sautéed.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the onion, releasing its natural flavors for a fragrant casserole start.
Salt and pepper to taste: The must-have finishing seasoning that sharpens and balances all the sparkle in this dish.

How to Make Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven nice and hot in advance ensures that your Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole bakes evenly and beautifully golden on top.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Heat up that olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in your diced onion. After about 4 to 5 minutes, you’ll notice a sweet aroma and the onion turning soft and slightly translucent. This quick sauté helps mellow the bite and lets that homey flavor shine through in every layer.

Step 3: Mix Up the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, gather your cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Now, fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese—this locks in flavor and cheesiness in every forkful.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Lightly grease your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer a third of your corn tortilla quarters evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon on a third of the creamy chicken mixture, smoothing it out. Repeat two more times, making three delicious layers and finishing with all the remaining chicken mixture on top.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover it with foil, then bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and just a little golden—about 10 to 15 minutes more. The irresistible aroma will tell you it’s almost ready!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the cheesy layers set up perfectly, so every scoop is neat, creamy, and packed with flavor.

How to Serve Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving provides a pop of color and a burst of brightness to your Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole. A few extra diced tomatoes or a scoop of guacamole make it even more festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

Round out your table with Tex-Mex favorites—think a big salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, skillet charred corn, or fluffy Spanish rice. Crisp tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa also bring out the casserole’s subtle spice and provide a fun crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the casserole piping hot in individual ramekins or bake in a muffin tin for hand-held portions at parties. Pair each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a lime wedge for a taco night vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights. Simply store cooled portions in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making each reheated bite just as craveworthy.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the fully cooled casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your casserole back to melty perfection, cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, a microwave works just fine—try 2-3 minutes on medium power. Add a pinch of extra cheese on top before reheating for a fresh-out-of-the-oven finish.

FAQs

Can I make Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the oven time and cover with foil until heated through.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure your soups and corn tortillas are certified gluten-free. The basic recipe is already very friendly for gluten-free diets with those easy swaps!

What’s the best chicken to use for Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed and flavor, but leftover home-cooked or even poached chicken is great too. As long as it’s tender and shredded, you’re good to go.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a chopped green bell pepper with the onion or add a handful of sautéed mushrooms, corn, or even some spinach for a nutritious boost.

How spicy is Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

The canned tomatoes with green chilies offer a gentle kick, but the dish is generally mild. For more heat, toss in extra chili powder or serve with hot sauce. For less, use regular diced tomatoes in place of the chilies.

Final Thoughts

This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the kind of crowd-pleasing, creamy, cheesy bake that’s bound to become a staple at your table. If you love easy, flavorful meals that bring everyone together, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex dish perfect for a family dinner. Layers of tender chicken, creamy soups, cheese, and tortillas come together for a delicious bake that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
1 small onion (diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix in half of the shredded cheese.
Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and cheese three times, ending with cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.