King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken

8 servings
King Ranch chicken is a cheesy Tex-Mex casserole recipe packed with shredded chicken, tortillas, and a zesty sauce. It's the perfect make-ahead family meal!

Ingredients

  • canola or vegetable oil

    plus more for the baking dish

    1 tbsp.
  • white or yellow onion

    finely chopped

    1 large
  • red bell pepper

    finely chopped

    1
  • yellow bell pepper

    finely chopped

    1
  • jalapeño

    seeded and finely chopped

    1
  • chili powder
    2 tbsp
  • ground cumin
    ½ tsp.
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp.
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • can cream of chicken soup
    1
  • can cream of mushroom soup
    1
  • can diced tomatoes with green chilies

    such as rotel

    1
  • chicken broth
    ½ c.
  • whole roasted chicken

    cooled and torn into chunks, such as rotisserie chicken

    1
  • corn tortillas

    torn into pieces

    16
  • shredded sharp cheddar

    about 6 ounces

    1 ½ c.
  • shredded monterey jack cheese

    about 6 ounces

    1 ½ c.

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with oil.

  2. 2

    In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce. Remove from the heat and fold in the chicken.

  3. 3

    Spread the reserved 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place half of the torn tortillas on top of the sauce. Spoon in half of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle on half the cheddar and half the monterey jack cheese. Repeat the layers of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheeses once.

  4. 4

    Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbling and golden, 15 to 20 minutes more.

  5. 5

    Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.

King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken

90 min8 servings471 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that's rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Our King Ranch Chicken casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex classic that truly delivers, making it an ideal choice for any family meal or celebration. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal that promises to satisfy. What sets this King Ranch Chicken apart is its incredible depth of flavor, built on a zesty sauce featuring a blend of finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and jalapeño, along with robust chili powder and cumin. Layered with tender shredded chicken and corn tortillas, it bakes into a supremely cheesy, satisfying main dish that feels both homemade and effortlessly delicious. Prepare for a symphony of textures and tastes with every forkful. You'll savor the creamy, savory sauce, brightened by the mild kick of jalapeño and the warmth of aromatic spices. Soft corn tortillas absorb all those wonderful flavors, while generous layers of both sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melt into a golden, gooey crust. This is a hearty, comforting casserole, designed to be deeply satisfying and full of familiar Tex-Mex appeal that makes it a perfect main dish for any gathering. This versatile King Ranch Chicken recipe is easy to adapt to your pantry or preferences. While shredded roasted chicken is our go-to for convenience and flavor, you could also use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs. For a milder flavor profile, you can omit the jalapeño entirely. Feel free to experiment with different melting cheeses if sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack aren't on hand, though this combination provides that classic, irresistible cheesy pull. King Ranch Chicken is a fantastic centerpiece for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, a hearty Sunday lunch, or a fuss-free weeknight meal that can easily feed a crowd. Serve it simply on its own, or alongside a fresh green salad to complete your plate.

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