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- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup corn tortillas, cut into strips These main ingredients create the heart of King Ranch Chicken Casserole. The cooked chicken adds protein, while the tomatoes bring flavor and moisture. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream work together to create a rich, creamy base. The cheddar cheese adds a cheesy goodness, and the corn tortillas give a nice texture. - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) The seasoning is where the magic happens. Onion and green bell pepper give a sweet crunch. Ground cumin and chili powder add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a bright touch on top. You can skip the cilantro if you don’t like it, but it sure makes the dish pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it’s hot before baking. - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This keeps the casserole from sticking. - In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes. They should soften and smell great. - In a big bowl, mix together shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until blended well. - Fold in the sautéed veggies and corn tortilla strips. Mix until they’re spread out. - Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the flavors to your liking. - Pour half of this mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. - Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Layer the rest of the chicken mix over this first layer. Top it with the remaining cheese. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps it bake evenly for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. Wait until the cheese gets bubbly and golden brown. - Once done, take the casserole out. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before you serve. This helps the flavors blend well. How to shred chicken easily To shred chicken fast, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Grab a piece of chicken and pull apart. This method works great for cooked chicken from a roast or boil. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Just mix on low speed for a few seconds. It’s quick and easy! Importance of seasoning adjustments Always taste as you cook. Seasoning can change based on your ingredients. If you use low-sodium soup or fresh tomatoes, you may need more salt. Start with small amounts of spices. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Best sides to complement the casserole Serve this casserole with a side of creamy avocado or a crisp salad. These sides add freshness and balance the dish's richness. You can also add some tortilla chips for crunch. This gives a nice texture contrast, making your meal even more enjoyable! Presentation tips with garnish Garnish your casserole with chopped cilantro for a pop of color. It looks great and adds a fresh taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice. This will brighten up the flavors and make it more appealing to the eye. How to use rotisserie chicken Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver! Just shred the meat and skip cooking it. This cuts your prep time in half. It’s a great way to make this dish even quicker on busy nights. Make-ahead options for prep You can make this casserole a day ahead. Just assemble it and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This way, you can save time and still enjoy a delicious meal. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken from a previous meal, making it both convenient and economical. Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can switch up the proteins in your casserole. Use turkey or beef if you like. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. This keeps the dish hearty and tasty. Dairy-free eaters can also enjoy this dish. Just swap out the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version. You can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you want more heat, add jalapeños or hotter chilies. This gives the dish a nice kick. Just remember to taste as you go, so it’s not too spicy for your family. You can also toss in more veggies. Consider adding corn, zucchini, or beans for extra texture and nutrition. This makes the casserole even heartier and colorful. You can serve this casserole family-style or in individual portions. Family-style is great for gatherings, while individual servings make it easy for busy weeknights. For toppings, think outside the box! Try crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. You can also use different types of cheese, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for different flavors. You can store leftover King Ranch Chicken Casserole for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, it will stay tasty and safe to eat. To freeze the casserole, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy the same great flavor as when it was fresh! What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole? King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish. It combines cooked chicken, tomatoes, cream soup, and spices. You layer it with corn tortillas and cheese. This dish is warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. It is a favorite in many homes. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just assemble it and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, bake it as directed. This saves time on busy days. How can I make it spicier? To add spice, include diced jalapeños or use spicy diced tomatoes. You can also add extra chili powder or hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste. Just remember to balance it with the other flavors. Is this recipe healthy? This casserole can be healthy if you choose lean chicken and low-fat dairy. It offers protein from chicken and fiber from tomatoes and tortillas. However, it can be high in calories and sodium. Adjust ingredients for a healthier version. Nutritional breakdown per serving - Calories: 400 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 3g These values are estimates and can change based on ingredient choices. Regional differences in the recipe King Ranch Chicken varies by region. Some use different proteins, like turkey or beef. Others add black beans or corn for extra texture. This dish reflects local tastes and traditions. Popular side dishes to serve with this casserole Serve this casserole with simple sides. A fresh salad or avocado pairs well. Cornbread is also a great choice. You can also include rice or beans for a complete meal. This blog post explored making King Ranch Chicken Casserole from scratch. We covered key ingredients like chicken, cheese, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, cooking, and baking. We also discussed tips for saving time and variations to fit your taste. With a few adjustments, you can make this dish your own. I hope you feel inspired to create this easy and tasty casserole! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Royal Ranch Chicken Casserole

A delicious and hearty chicken casserole with a blend of flavors, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it's fully heated before placing the dish inside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil (optional), then sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes or until they have softened and become fragrant.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  • Fold in the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture, followed by the strips of corn tortillas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Season the mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper, adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preference.
  • Carefully pour half of the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy layer.
  • Layer the remaining chicken mixture on top of the first layer, followed by the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a melty, gooey topping.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.
  • Once finished, carefully take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Notes

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside a side of creamy avocado or a crisp, simple salad.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food