Classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Straight From Texas Kitchens
If you’re in the mood for some good soul filling food, then you’d definitely want to consider making this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Texan dish that combines layers of chicken, tortillas, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Customize it with your choice of toppings or side dishes.
Overview of King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a cherished dish from Texas, known for its comforting layers of chicken, tortillas, and a creamy sauce. It’s a meal that brings people together, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The casserole is built on a foundation of shredded chicken, which provides protein and heartiness.
Corn tortillas add a delightful texture, soaking up the creamy sauce while maintaining their structure.
A mixture of cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies forms the base of the sauce, lending a rich and slightly spicy flavor.
Onions and bell peppers contribute freshness and crunch, while shredded cheddar cheese on top melts into a golden, bubbly layer that completes the dish.
This combination of ingredients ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the casserole is straightforward and can be done in about an hour.
Start by preheating your oven, then mix the creamy sauce ingredients in a large bowl.
Layering is the next step, where you alternate between tortillas, chicken, vegetables, and sauce in a greased baking dish.
Once the layers are complete, sprinkle cheese on top and cover with foil for the initial baking period.
After about 30 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden, creating an inviting appearance.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, this casserole shines on its own but can be enhanced with a few accompaniments.
Tortilla chips and salsa make excellent side dishes, adding crunch and a fresh element to the meal.
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal option.
Each serving contains around 350 calories, with a good amount of protein and fat, making it a filling choice.
With 25 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great way to satisfy hunger while enjoying a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love It
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Its layers of flavor and texture create a memorable dining experience, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to impress.
Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
This casserole features shredded chicken layered with corn tortillas, a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, and cheese. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla quarters, followed by half of the shredded chicken, half of the chopped onion and bell pepper, and half of the sauce mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
