Classic Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This Classic Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole has been a beloved family favorite for years, combining wholesome ingredients to create a comforting dish that pleases everyone at the table. Layered tortillas, juicy chicken, and a rich blend of creamy soups meld together with savory green peppers and onions, topped with melted cheese for a gooey, satisfying experience. While there are numerous variations to this traditional recipe, I firmly believe that sticking to the original method and ingredients yields the best flavor. Whether served at a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen as well.
6
Servings
550
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (10 ounce can)
Chicken broth
1 (cup (or more, to taste))
Onion
1/2 (cup, diced)
Green pepper
1/2 (cup, diced)
Monterey Jack cheese
16 (ounces, grated)
Whole chicken
1 (or 6-8 chicken breasts)
Corn tortillas
12 (or flour, your preference)
Tortilla chips
optional (for variation)
Noodles
optional (for variation)
Instructions
1
1. In a pot, boil the whole chicken until fully cooked. After cooling, remove the meat from the skin and bones, cube the meat, and set aside. Save the broth for later.
2
2. For a quicker option, you can use 6-8 chicken breasts, which can be cooked and shredded as an alternative to boiling the whole chicken.
3
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and green pepper until softened and fragrant.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the two soups, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions and green peppers, cubed chicken, and enough chicken broth to reach a creamy consistency.
5
5. Preheat your oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C).
6
6. In a Pyrex casserole dish, start by lining the bottom with six corn tortillas, torn into pieces as needed.
7
7. Spread half of the chicken and soup mixture over the tortillas. Evenly sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese over this layer.
8
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining six tortillas, followed by the chicken and soup mixture and the rest of the cheese on top.
9
9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10
10. For a lighter version, consider using fat-free soups and chicken broth—this option retains all the flavor and richness.
11
11. For a twist, try substituting Cheddar cheese or Lite Velveeta for the Monterey Jack—each adds a unique twist to the dish.
12
12. Although corn tortillas are the traditional choice, flour tortillas work wonderfully too. For added creativity, consider omitting the tortillas entirely and using tortilla chips or even noodles/pasta for a delicious variation.
13
13. Enhance the flavor profile by adding a can of black beans or corn, and for an elegant presentation, garnish with sliced black olives and a dollop of sour cream before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
53g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
It is a traditional comfort dish made with layered tortillas, chicken, creamy soups, green peppers, onions, and melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in King Ranch Chicken?
The main ingredients include chicken, corn tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Rotel tomatoes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use 6-8 chicken breasts as a quicker alternative to boiling a whole chicken.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to between 250-300°F (120-150°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for about 1 hour until the cheese is bubbly and it is heated through.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, you should cover the Pyrex dish with aluminum foil during the baking process.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas work wonderfully as well.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for Monterey Jack cheese, but you can also use Cheddar or Lite Velveeta for a twist.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the casserole?
You should dice the onion and green pepper and sauté them in a skillet until they are softened and fragrant.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 550 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 35g of protein.
Can I make a lighter version of this dish?
Yes, you can use fat-free soups and chicken broth to create a lighter version that retains its flavor.
What size cans of soup should I use?
You should use 10 3/4 ounce cans for both the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with a layer of torn tortillas, then half the chicken/soup mixture, then half the cheese, and repeat.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses a 10-ounce can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, adding a can of black beans is a great way to enhance the flavor and heartiness.
What are some creative starch alternatives?
You can omit the tortillas and use tortilla chips or even noodles/pasta as a base.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of grated cheese.
Is it necessary to boil the chicken?
Boiling is the traditional method to get cooked meat and broth, but you can use any cooked, shredded chicken.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
Sliced black olives and a dollop of sour cream make for an elegant and delicious presentation.
Can I use corn as an extra ingredient?
Yes, adding a can of corn to the mixture is a recommended variation.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 23g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
This dish contains 53g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency in the sauce?
Mix the soups with the chicken broth until you reach your desired creaminess.
What type of dish is recommended for baking?
A standard Pyrex casserole dish is recommended.
Should the chicken be cubed or shredded?
The recipe suggests cubing the meat, but shredded chicken also works well.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare dish that is a favorite for casual family meals.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, store-bought chicken broth can be used if you choose not to boil a whole chicken.
Can I use different peppers?
While the recipe calls for green pepper, you could use other bell peppers for different color and sweetness.