King Ranch Chicken Casserole with Rotel is a classic recipe from the south. It features layers of chicken, corn tortillas, peppers and onions smothered in a cheesy sauce. Made with simple ingredients, this will soon become a family favorite!
You're going to love this recipe! Next up try this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole it's one of our favorite recipes!
Jump to:
- What makes this king rach casserole the best
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Flavorful twists and tasty variations
- Step-by-step instructions
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
- Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
- More casseroles to warm your table
- Storing leftovers for next-day deliciousness
- What to serve with King Ranch Casserole
- SERVE GREAT MEALS EVERY TIME! 👇
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
What makes this king rach casserole the best
I know you guys like easy casseroles like chicken spaghetti, so I knew this would be a hit as well! It's super rich and cheesy, easy to assemble casserole.
Think casserole meets chicken enchiladas without all the fussy prep of rolling! The Rotel chicken bake is an easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights because you can assemble it ahead of time!
This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, buffet, potluck or church supper! It's the ultimate comfort food Tex-Mex casserole!
Ingredients you’ll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Here's what you'll need:
- Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast - rotisserie chicken would great here as would boneless skinless chicken thighs, leftover chicken, even canned chicken will work terrific in this recipe. Just make sure the chicken you're using is completely cooked.
- Shredded cheese (of course!) I use cheddar cheesy, but Colby, Monterey Jack even mozzarella cheese would be delicious and super cheesy!
- Can of Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chiles) - or your favorite spicy salsa.
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup - though you can certainly substitute with Cheddar Cheese Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup or really any of the cream soups.
- Diced bell peppers and onions. You can use red, yellow, orange or green pepper - whatever you prefer.
- Corn tortillas - though in a pinch you can use flour tortillas, I prefer the flavor of corn tortillas.
- olive, corn, or peanut oil to sauté the vegetables.
- garnish with green onions, sliced jalapeños and minced cilantro.
Flavorful twists and tasty variations
- Substitute Doritos or tortilla chips for the layers of corn tortillas. Don't crush them, just layer them in the casserole dish whole.
- Ground beef instead of chicken will be another great tex-mex flavor!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for this cheesy casserole. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Preheat the oven. Spray the casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Dice the chicken, slice the tortillas, dice the onions and peppers.
- Sauté the peppers and onions for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Add the canned soup, â…“ of the tortilla pieces, canned tomatoes and chicken. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Layer half of the tortilla strips in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with ⅓ of the chicken cheese creamy sauce and ½ shredded cheese. Repeat layering, finishing with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Rotel King Ranch Chicken Casserole uncovered until hot and bubbly. Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving.
Essential tools for this recipe
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- 9x13-inch baking dish - this one has great handles, making it easy to handle when hot.
- wood spoons for cooking - this set is great as it includes a spoon, scraper and slotted spoon.
- 12" cast iron skillet - I have several and use them all the time!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
The name of this creamy casserole originated from the Lone Star State and the famous King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. Known as the one of the largest ranches in the world, hence the name King Ranch!
Yes! The Mexican chicken enchilada casserole can be frozen. For specifics please check storage instructions below.
This meal is cheesy and delicious, but not super spicy. If you're looking to up the heat add chopped jalapeños to the bell peppers and onions when you're sautéing or a good pinch of chili powder to the cheesy mixture.
Yes, the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe can be made up to two days ahead of times. Cover well with foil and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator before baking (up to an hour) to allow the casserole to come to room temperature. Bake as directed.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Leftover or rotisserie chicken makes putting the dish together super easy! Of course you can always roast 3-4 chicken breasts so you have specifically what you need for this meal.
- If you prefer a saucier cheese sauce, use chicken broth to thin it out.
- If you want even more flavor in this meal, fry the tortillas before layering in the casserole.
- Place the baking pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes at the end to get the cheese golden brown.
More casseroles to warm your table
There are so many comforting casseroles on the blog! Have you had the opportunity to try the Bell Pepper Casserole yet? I love the flavors of roasted bell peppers and without all the prep work, this one is terrific!
- Frito Pie Casserole - always a great choice for a quick and easy family friendly meal!!
- Both the Beef Noodle Pasta Casserole and the Ultimate Chicken Casserole are hearty and delicious. It's a great meal the whole family will love!
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is delicious over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes - yum!
- Taco Salad Casserole is everything you love, baked until hot and bubbly and topped with greens!
Find my favorite 15+ Chicken Taco Casserole Recipes here!
Storing leftovers for next-day deliciousness
Refrigerate - Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Â
Freezing - store leftovers in an airtight container, freeze up to three months. If freezing unbaked assemble in a foil lined casserole dish. Freeze solid, remove from the dish and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions - allow the frozen casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as covered for 30 minutes, remove the foil, bake an additional 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
What to serve with King Ranch Casserole
This has such a great mixture of Tex-Mex flavors!
- Start your meal with this Posole Recipe - it's so good! Then serve the meal with a Southwest Green Salad - it's great with the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe.
- Serve your casserole topped with sour cream, salsa, fresh jalapeños - whatever you top your tacos with!
Still looking for side dishes to go with your meal? Click here for What to Serve with Chicken Casserole. There are tons of ideas and recipes!
SERVE GREAT MEALS EVERY TIME! 👇
I can't wait until you try this - it's such an easy recipe! If you love it, tell me about it and leave a five-star rating below! It’s one of our very favorites and I think you’ll love it too!
Also if you snap a picture, be sure and tag me on Instagram at @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover – I’d love to see pictures of your tasty eats!
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups cooked chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 10 ounces Ro-tel tomatoes canned tomatoes with green chilies added
- 21 ounces Cans Cream of Chicken Soup 2 - 10.5 ounce cans
- 1 red, yellow or green bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 ounces corn tortillas That's about 8 corn tortillas - cut into strips and diced.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Dice the chicken into 1 inch pieces, slice the tortillas into strips as well. Dice onions and peppers.
- In a large saucepan or skillet sauté the peppers and diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until just soft.
- Add the canned soup, â…“ of the tortilla strips, and Rotel. Mix together until thoroughly combined. Add the chicken and mix again. Remove from heat.
- Place one layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with ⅓ of the chicken cheese mixture and ½ shredded cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining sauce, topping with remaining cup cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Allow to sit 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Doritos or tortilla chips for the tortillas. Don't crush them, just layer them in the casserole dish whole.
- Use Colby, Monterey Jack even mozzarella cheese to substitute for cheddar cheese.
- Any combination of canned soups will work with this recipe. Cream of mushroom, chicken, cheddar cheese, even celery soup!
Lois says
We love this King Ranch Chicken. It’s very good. Just a wonderful meal.
Debra Clark says
5 stars, that's awesome. Thanks Lois!
Rhonda Lou Fenn says
Really hard to look at the content with all the popup ads!
Bowl Me Over says
Hit the jump to recipe button located right at the top of the recipe Rhonda. That way you avoid the content. Enjoy the recipe, this is the best King Ranch Casserole!