Name: King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup; 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup full-fat sour cream; 1 packet taco seasoning; 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces; 8 ounces shredded Colby jack cheese; Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish; Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that brings a burst of bold flavors with every bite, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and the unmistakable touch of taco seasoning all layered with crispy corn tortillas and gooey melted cheese. This casserole is a classic for a reason—it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, spicy, and cheesy textures in the most irresistible way. Once you make this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for family dinners and potlucks alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a black rim sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, five main layers are arranged without mixing: shredded light brown cooked chicken at the top left, a smooth white creamy layer of sour cream with black pepper on the top right, small chopped bright red tomatoes on the bottom left, pale yellow mayonnaise next to the sour cream on the bottom right, and a pile of light brown spice powder between the tomatoes and mayonnaise. The layers are neatly placed in separate patches but close together, showing distinct textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness, ensuring each mouthful is bursting with flavor and texture.

3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds a savory, juicy base.
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup: Provides a rich, creamy binder that makes the casserole irresistibly smooth.
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a zesty, mildly spicy kick and vibrant color.
1 cup full-fat sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that lightens the hearty texture.
1 packet taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with a traditional Tex-Mex punch of flavor.
12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces: These provide delightful layers with a slight crisp when baked.
8 ounces shredded Colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a savory, slightly sharp cheese layer.
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness to top off the casserole.
Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish: Adds a mild oniony crunch that enhances the finish.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Season to taste and bring out all the flavors balanced and bold.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to warm the casserole evenly while melting the cheese to golden perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, full-fat sour cream, and taco seasoning. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper—two generous pinches will bring the flavors to life. Mixing all these ingredients thoroughly creates the creamy, spicy filling that makes this dish so addictive.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the torn corn tortilla pieces evenly across the bottom. Spoon half the chicken mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle half of the shredded Colby jack cheese on top. This layered approach builds the casserole’s delicious texture.

Step 4: Complete the Layers

Now add the remaining torn tortilla pieces on top of the first layer, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture. Finish with the last bit of shredded cheese to create that irresistible gooey crust that browns perfectly in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You are aiming for bubbling edges and fully melted cheese. This keeps the dish moist yet gives a slight crispiness to the tortilla pieces that peek through.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this helps it set and makes serving cleaner. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onion on top for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the warm, creamy layers below.

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a serving of creamy baked lasagna layered twice, with a golden melted cheese layer on top and a creamy orange sauce mixed with small red bits visible through the layers. The lasagna is topped with bright green chopped scallions and parsley, adding fresh color contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate holding a piece of lasagna, with a white marbled table surface underneath. To the right, there is a white rectangular baking dish with more lasagna and a wooden spatula inside, sitting on a striped cloth. Nearby, two small white speckled bowls contain chopped green scallions and parsley. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh cilantro and green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a bright herbaceous balance to the creamy and cheesy casserole. For an extra kick, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado.

Side Dishes

King Ranch Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing salad like a simple mixed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For heartier meals, serve with Mexican rice or refried beans to keep the Tex-Mex theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz up your presentation? Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy touch at dinner parties. Another fun idea is to spoon it over tostada shells for a crunchy contrast or alongside tortilla chips for scooping up every cheesy, saucy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is fantastic for leftovers. Simply cover your dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed for a warm, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. Reheating gently preserves the creamy texture and melty cheese without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe without rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs from your own cooking, or even leftover baked chicken. The rotisserie chicken is just a convenient, flavorful shortcut.

Is it possible to make this casserole spicy?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat by choosing a spicier Rotel variety or adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for an extra kick beyond the taco seasoning.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

For a homemade twist, you can use a béchamel or make your own creamy sauce, but the canned soup provides the perfect creamy texture and flavor that defines the dish and keeps it simple.

What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for beans like black beans or pinto beans, and use vegetable cream soup and vegetarian taco seasoning to keep it hearty and full of flavor while making it meat-free.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and bake later?

Yes, assembling the casserole a day ahead makes meal planning easy. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when you’re ready. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is hands down a treasure for anyone who loves Tex-Mex comfort food that is quick and fuss-free. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles. I encourage you to try this recipe—you will find yourself coming back to it again and again for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a little taste of Texas right at home.