When I think of comfort food that can turn a chilly evening into a warm embrace, King Ranch Chicken Casserole immediately comes to mind. There’s just something magical about a bubbling, cheesy dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and wraps you in a cozy feeling as you dig in. I remember the first time I tasted this dish at a friend’s potluck, and I was instantly transported to a world of creamy, delightful deliciousness. It’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia.

The beauty of this Creamy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is that it is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Trust me, your busy weeknights will thank you! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this cheesy and comforting layered dinner that’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to throw together, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Budget-friendly, using simple and accessible ingredients.
• Rich, creamy flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.
• Can be made ahead of time and is easily customizable.
• Perfect for leftovers and keeps well in the fridge.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works like a charm)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess!)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (this adds a nice kick!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can never have too much cheese!)
• 1/2 cup milk (to combine everything smoothly)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a hint of spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 9-10 corn tortillas (cut into triangles)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Note: Feel free to use fresh garlic and onions sautéed for an extra punch of flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and spices (chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder). This creamy base is where all the goodness is going to come from!
3. Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Oh, this is going to be good!
4. Layer it Up: Now, let’s layer! Spread a little bit of the creamy mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then layer in a third of the corn tortillas, followed by half of the remaining creamy chicken mixture. It’s like a cheesy lasagna but with a southwest twist!
5. Repeat! Repeat the layering process – another third of the tortillas, the remaining creamy chicken mixture, and then top with the last third of the tortillas.
6. Finishing Touch: Pour any remaining creamy mixture on top and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over everything. You want it beautifully cheesy and golden! Cover it with aluminum foil.
7. Bake Away: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
8. Done! Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the resting time! It really makes a difference in the dish holding together when you serve it.

Pro Tips & Variations

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
• Veggie Power: Mix in some black beans, bell peppers, or corn to boost the nutrition and add more flavor.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist, or switch it out for Monterey Jack if you prefer a milder taste.
• Make it Lighter: Use low-fat versions of the soups and sour cream for a lighter take without sacrificing flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the corn tortillas for gluten-free versions or tortilla chips!

Serving Suggestions

How to serve this yummy casserole? Picture this: a big serving of King Ranch Chicken Casserole on a plate, a crunchy green salad on the side, and perhaps some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. And if you love a little kick, serve it alongside some guacamole or salsa. A nice glass of sweet iced tea could be the cherry on top, making it a cozy dinner experience!

Storage Tips

Oh, this casserole is great for meal prepping! Here’s how you can store it:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, bake it straight from the freezer, just adding about 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or pop some in the microwave for a quick snack. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that creamy goodness!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just don’t forget to add a few extra minutes to the baking time!

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous choice because it adds flavor and saves time. But feel free to use any cooked chicken you have on hand, or even leftovers from another meal!

Can I use corn chips instead of tortillas?

You bet! Using corn chips adds a fun crunch to the casserole. Just layer them in the same way as you would the tortillas!

What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem at all! You can skip the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder. This dish is still delightful without the heat!

Is this dish suitable for meal planning?

Yes, indeed! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store portions in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends! A warm and inviting Creamy King Ranch Chicken Casserole that is easy to whip up and utterly satisfying. I truly hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s perfect for gathering with family and friends or cozying up on a chilly night. Don’t hesitate to comment below and share how your casserole turned out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any heartwarming memories this dish sparks for you!

Irresistible Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe: Easy!

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Discover an easy, cheesy layered dinner with this Creamy King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights! (155 chars)

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups of shredded cooked chicken

1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup

1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of sour cream

1 cup of diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup of milk

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

9–10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture.

Spread a little bit of the creamy mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer in a third of the corn tortillas, followed by half of the remaining creamy chicken mixture.

Repeat the layering process – another third of the tortillas, the remaining creamy chicken mixture, and then top with the last third of the tortillas.

Pour any remaining creamy mixture on top and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over everything. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

This Creamy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for busy weeknights. Bursting with flavor and nostalgia, it features a rich, creamy mixture of chicken, soups, and cheese, all layered between crispy corn tortillas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Easy Casserole Recipes, Comfort Food