- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add shredded chicken, soups, Rotel, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat until warm and slightly thickened.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Layers: Start with a layer of tortillas in the bottom of the dish. Spoon one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover casserole with foil and bake 25–30 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Remove foil during the last 5–10 minutes to allow cheese to brown slightly.
- Add French Fried Onions: Sprinkle French fried onions evenly over the top and bake 5 more minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let casserole cool 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Pair with a simple salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Casserole can be frozen before baking or after cooking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for the fastest prep and best flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili powder and cayenne.
- For extra creaminess, use a mixture of milk and cream instead of chicken broth.
- Lightly warm tortillas in the microwave before layering to prevent them from tearing.
- French fried onions give a signature crunch—don’t skip this step!
Conclusion
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Its creamy chicken filling, layers of tortillas, melted cheese, and crunchy topping make every bite a delight. This easy casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas give the classic texture and slightly firmer base.
Can this be made spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or use spicy Rotel.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking or after baking. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight before baking/reheating.
Can I substitute the soups?
Yes, cream of celery or mushroom soup can be used depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
