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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup corn tortillas, cut into strips - 1 small onion, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The chicken gives protein and texture. The cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and depth. The tomatoes bring a nice kick and moisture. Sour cream helps keep the casserole rich and smooth. The cheese melts beautifully on top and adds flavor. The corn tortillas create layers and absorb great taste. When it comes to spices, cumin and chili powder give that warm, cozy feel. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Use fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and fresh taste at the end. King Ranch Chicken Casserole has bold, savory flavors. The chicken is hearty and satisfying. The creaminess from the soup and sour cream makes each bite smooth. Tomatoes with green chilies add a slight heat. The onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and crunch. Cumin and chili powder deepen the flavor, making it warm and inviting. Overall, this dish balances creaminess, spice, and freshness, making it a favorite for many. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. Preheating is key for a great dish. Next, grab a large skillet. Add a bit of oil and heat it over medium. Toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. This adds a tasty base to your casserole. In a big bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir it all together. Make sure it is well mixed. Then, fold in the cooked veggies and the corn tortilla strips. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well again. Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top. Add the rest of the mixture and finish with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese should look bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole is quick. You need just 15 minutes to prep. The cooking time is about 35 minutes. So, the total time is 50 minutes. This makes it a great option for busy nights. This recipe serves six people. You can easily double it for a crowd. Each serving is hearty, filling, and satisfying. It works well for family dinners or potlucks. To make your casserole look great, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Add some avocado slices on the side for color and freshness. A simple salad also pairs well. These touches make the dish pop on the table. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on prep without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Spices: Adjust the cumin and chili powder to your taste, or add some cayenne pepper for extra heat! Layering is Key: Ensure that the cheese and chicken mixture are well layered for even melting and a delicious cheesy top. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} To make your King Ranch Chicken Casserole shine, start with fresh ingredients. Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie for added flavor. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft for the best taste. Mix well to ensure all flavors blend. Layer the casserole right to keep it moist. Always cover it with foil initially to avoid drying out. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. You can use cooked turkey instead of chicken. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt replaces sour cream well. Try using corn chips instead of tortillas for crunch. If you want spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Don't skip preheating your oven; this helps cook the casserole evenly. Avoid overcooking the casserole, as this can make it dry. When mixing, don’t leave lumps; this ensures every bite is tasty. Lastly, remember to let it cool a bit before serving; it helps the layers set. You can easily make a vegetarian version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Instead of chicken, use black beans or chickpeas. You can add mixed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini. Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a rich base. This version is hearty and satisfying, perfect for any meat-free meal. For those who love heat, try a spicy twist. Add jalapeños or diced green chiles to the chicken mixture. You can also increase the chili powder to suit your taste. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add extra kick. This version will excite your taste buds and warm you up. Making a gluten-free King Ranch Chicken Casserole is simple. Use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of regular ones. Check the labels on your cream soup to ensure it's gluten-free. You can also use a homemade version with gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without worry. King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a warm, cheesy dish. It combines chicken, tortillas, and spicy flavors. You use cooked chicken and mix it with cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, and cheese. The casserole layers tortillas for a nice texture. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any meal. You can serve it as a main dish with a salad or avocado on the side. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to two days. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes dinner easy on busy days. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This blog post covered the key steps to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole. We explored the ingredients and how they blend together. You now know how to prepare, cook, and plate the dish. We also shared tips to ensure a great result and variations for different diets. You can confidently try your hand at this tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to get creative! Your kitchen adventures can lead to delicious surprises.

Royal Ranch Chicken Casserole

A delicious and hearty chicken casserole with a blend of flavors and textures.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
  • Add the sautéed onion and bell pepper to the mixture, and then fold in the corn tortilla strips.
  • Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Pour half of the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Layer the remaining chicken mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of avocado or a simple salad for added freshness.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, easy recipe