Description
This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and spices layered with corn tortillas and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Onion: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Mix Soups and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly blend all ingredients.
- Add Chicken: Stir the cooked, shredded chicken into the soup mixture ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Layers: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the torn corn tortillas evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soups.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it hold together when serving.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
