King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex comfort dish, named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, though its origins are not directly tied to the ranch itself. This hearty casserole is layered with tender shredded chicken, creamy and cheesy sauce, and soft tortillas, all infused with a blend of Southwestern spices. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, potluck, or any gathering where you want to serve up something flavorful and satisfying. The gooey, cheesy top layer makes it irresistible, and the mix of spices and creaminess keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into bite-sized pieces
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of torn tortillas over the soup mixture, followed by a layer of the chicken and onion mixture, then a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of the soup mixture and a generous topping of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delicious, creamy, and cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole, a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
