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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

5.0 · 31 reviewsRecipe card by Roxi3617Editorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 18, 2026
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole — Dinner & Mains recipePin it

Total time

90 min

Servings

8

Calories

356.4

Category

Dinner & Mains

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe. Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this Tex-Mex classic combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and zesty Rotel tomatoes with layers of corn tortillas and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare in under 90 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers bold Southwestern flavors.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

  • 2 butter
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 bell pepper
  • 1 Rotel tomatoes & chilies
  • 1 chicken broth
  • 1 corn tortillas
  • 1/2 sharp cheddar cheese

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F

  2. In large saucepan, saute the onion and pepper in the butter until tender (about 5 minutes).

  3. Add soups, tomatoes, and broth.

  4. Stir to combine.

  5. Fold in the chicken until well blended.

  6. Lightly grease a 9 x 13" baking dish.

  7. Layer with 1/3 the tortillas, 1/3 the chicken mixture, and 1/3 the cheese.

  8. Repeat layers twice more.

  9. Bake for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

  10. About ten minutes before removing from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top; replace in oven until cheese is melted.

  11. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Cook's notes

  • For extra flavor, sauté the onion and bell pepper until golden brown.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add richness.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
  • Substitute pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.

Frequently asked

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic Tex-Mex texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?

Use 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to plain diced tomatoes.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure the soups and broth are gluten-free, and use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.

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