Name: King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked 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; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 10 corn tortillas, torn into pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and ultra-comforting, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is just the thing. It brings together tender shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, creamy soups, and plenty of gooey melted cheese in one cozy, flavor-packed bake. With a rich Tex-Mex flair and a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs personality, it’s easy to see why this classic Southern favorite has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers that get better by the day, this dish is your new best friend. It layers up like a lasagna, bakes to golden perfection, and comes out bubbling with savory goodness. It’s weeknight magic that delivers big comfort with little effort.

Why You’ll Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but easy enough to pull off on a weeknight. The colorful mix of ingredients not only makes it visually inviting but also offers great texture — from the tender chicken to the crispy-topped cheese. Plus, it’s highly customizable based on what you have on hand.

Perfect for:

Make-ahead meal preps
Potlucks and parties
Busy weeknight dinners
Southern food nostalgia

It reheats like a dream and freezes beautifully too.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole go smoothly, here are the tools that help streamline everything:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ideal for softening veggies and blending in soup and chicken before assembling.
Mixing Bowl: Useful if you’re combining your filling ingredients separately.
9×13″ Baking Dish: This size gives the casserole room to layer evenly and bake without spilling over.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring everything without scratching your pan.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for chopping onions, peppers, and any fresh herbs.

Having everything prepped and your tools ready makes the layering and baking process fast and frustration-free.

Ingredients for the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Shredded Chicken: The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy body and rich flavor to bind the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Gives an earthy depth and helps thicken the filling.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Rotel): Introduces Tex-Mex tang and subtle spice.
Red and Green Bell Peppers: These brighten the flavor and color, adding crunch and freshness.
Onion: Enhances the overall savory base of the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that ties it all together.
Corn Tortillas: Form the “lasagna-like” layers and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables to mellow their bite.
Spices (Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper): These bring warmth, flavor, and balance to every bite.

How To Make the King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and slightly golden.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base

Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chilies, and spices to the skillet. Stir to combine, then mix in the shredded chicken.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer torn corn tortillas across the bottom. Top with one-third of the chicken mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final generous layer of cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve & Store King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This casserole is best served hot from the oven with a garnish of fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a simple side salad, cornbread, or seasoned rice for a complete Tex-Mex dinner.

To store leftovers, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut. It’s tender, flavorful, and cuts down on prep time.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use another can of cream of chicken, or swap with cream of celery or a homemade roux if you want a cleaner version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Are flour tortillas okay to use?

Flour tortillas work, but they’ll be softer and less structured than corn tortillas. For authenticity and texture, corn is best.

How spicy is this casserole?

It has a mild kick from the tomatoes with green chilies. You can make it spicier by adding jalapeños or chili powder.

Can I freeze this before baking?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze it unbaked. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this King Ranch Chicken Casserole, don’t miss out on these other delicious comfort dishes:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, cheesy baked pasta twist.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with deep, savory flavors.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a hand-held creamy delight.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce if you’re craving crispy meets creamy.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti loaded with flavor and nostalgia.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or keep it classic? Did you sneak in some veggies or stick to the basics?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Follow along for more weeknight wins and Southern comfort meals on my Pinterest board: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest