Description
Hearty King Ranch Chicken casserole brings Texan comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of tortillas, chicken, and zesty sauce. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this classic southwestern dish promises to satisfy hungry families with its irresistible southwestern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups shredded, cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 12 soft taco-size corn tortillas (quartered)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 cups freshly shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 10.5 ounces (296 grams) cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 10.5 ounces (296 grams) cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup chopped sweet yellow onion
- 1 chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped cilantro (optional)
- 10 ounces (283 grams) mild Rotel (undrained)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare the base for this hearty casserole.
- Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors, approximately 5 minutes.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Rotel tomatoes in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Construct the first layer of the casserole by spreading one-third of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Distribute 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the tortillas, followed by a generous layer of cooked chicken and half of the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle half of the prepared soup mixture evenly across the first layer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Repeat the layering process with another set of tortillas, chicken, vegetables, and remaining soup mixture, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Complete the casserole with a final layer of tortilla pieces and top with the remaining 2½ cups of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and the casserole becomes bubbly and heated through.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro to add a bright, fresh note to the finished dish before serving.
Notes
- Check tortilla quality by using fresh, soft corn or flour tortillas for optimal texture and preventing sogginess.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions.
- Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium cream soups and reducing added salt, making the dish more heart-friendly.
- Enhance flavor complexity by roasting bell peppers and onions before sautéing, which deepens the overall taste profile of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg