King Ranch Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food! Loads of cheesy chicken, tortilla strips, and deliciousness blend together in this awesome meal.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Think for a moment about the very first time you remember trying a favorite food. Sometimes you don’t even remember that moment.
Once in a while though, you try something that brings your taste buds alive and you know right then and there that this food will be a new favorite. King Ranch Chicken Casserole is just that dish for me.
I remember exactly the very first time I tried this beloved dish. No, I didn’t grow up eating it like so many have.
I was an adult and unfortunately, it was during a very dark time in my life. I was in Florida staying at my parents’ house while my dad was under Hospice care. Many of their friends from church graciously were delivering meals for our family.
At the time I was still nursing my youngest daughter and I needed to stay hydrated and eat regularly no matter if I wanted to or not. One evening a “Mexican style casserole” was on the menu for that night and so I took a helping. Okay, well that resulted in another helping and I’m fairly sure I helped myself to the leftovers for lunch the next day too.
Of course, my mind was in a million places during that time, but I was certainly grateful for the outpouring of love and support that showed up and helped feed us mentally and physically. After things had settled I asked my stepmom to get the recipe for this casserole from her friend.
Sometime later I received it in an email and sure enough, it was this “semi-famous” King Ranch Chicken Casserole. SCORE…I was so happy to be able to make this in my own kitchen!
Now what I’ve discovered through the years is that there are many versions floating around and everyone seems to have their favorite. Most though consist of a creamy souped-up chicken layer, shredded cheese, and torn corn tortillas.
The key ingredient that usually is consistent in most recipes is Rotel, which I adore so I happily dump in a can. My theory is if there’s Rotel in a recipe, it’ll be good, no questions asked.
One of the variations in my recipe is that I personally use Cream of Celery soup when I make this recipe. It is simply a preference and I’ve listed Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken in the recipe below because that’s what most will enjoy.
Yes, I’m fussy…not gonna change me now! 🙂 Also you can either buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it up, slow cook or pressure cook (my preferred method) a bunch of chicken breasts at once, or use leftovers.
So, if you’ve never tried King Ranch Chicken Casserole, give it a try it is an easy recipe that’s pleased many hearty appetites. If there’s one thing I know its a good casserole!!!
Other easy casserole recipes to try:
Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Pepper Explosion Casserole
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food! Loads of cheesy chicken, tortilla strips, and deliciousness blend together in this awesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast , diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup green pepper , chopped
- 1/2 cup onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- Dash of cumin, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mexican blend cheese
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉
- Saute chicken in butter, then add green pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook about 5 min.
- Next, add both soups, the undrained Rotel tomatoes, and spices, simmer on medium-low another 5 minutes.
- Using a sprayed 9x13 casserole dish, layer 1/3 of the chicken breast mixture on top of a layer of shells, then a layer of cheese, continue with 2 more layers, then bake for approximately 40 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or diced avocado.
Find this recipe and more at the Weekend Potluck!
I love this casserole. But it makes such a large quantity I have to make it when my kids are home or when I can take it to a potluck at church! I like the idea of taco shells rather than chips. Less salt. Thanks for sharing.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa
I love this casserole! yum, yum!
I made this recipe exactly as directed Except I used plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and I used canned chicken breast. It was absolutely delicious and so easy and quick to make! Regards Maria
I made the recipe “King Ranch Chicken Casserole” for dinner tonight. I followed the recipe as it was written except I added a can each of corn (drained) and black beans (drained and rinced). I also used tostada shells in place of taco shells. I used extra shells and extra cheese. Instead of using a 9 × 13 dish I used a aluminum casserole size pan which, worked out perfect. This is such a good and flavorful dish. This recipe is definitely being added to my rotation of recipes.