Description
This Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a blend of spices layered with corn tortillas and cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 10 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and allow for easy serving.
- Sauté Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions with cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to create a well-blended mixture.
- Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked, shredded chicken ensuring it is evenly coated with the soup and spice mixture for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Place half of the torn tortillas in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions to add a fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience if desired.
- For a spicier casserole, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If dairy-free, consider using dairy-free soup alternatives and vegan cheese.
- The casserole can be assembled the day before and baked fresh when ready to serve.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
