Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Dive into the rich flavors of this Tex-Mex classic with a homemade twist! This Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together layers of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a creamy blend of spices, all nestled between crispy corn tortillas. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish channels the warmth of Mama's Cafe in San Antonio, TX, right to your kitchen. Customize your heat level with your choice of picante sauce and diced Rotel tomatoes, and serve it with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy a taste of home no matter where you are!
4
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
picante sauce
3/4 cup (adjust to taste)
sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
chopped tomatoes
2 cups (or 2 cans drained Rotel)
cubed cooked chicken
3 cups (can use canned chicken)
corn tortillas
12 (cut into 1 inch pieces (6 inch))
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
onion
1 small (chopped (optional))
sliced black olives
4 ounces (canned (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, picante sauce, sour cream, chili powder, chopped tomatoes (or drained Rotel), and cubed chicken. Stir until well mixed.
3
Spread half of the corn tortilla pieces in a 2-quart shallow baking dish to cover the bottom evenly.
4
Layer half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla pieces.
5
Repeat the layers by spreading the remaining tortilla pieces on top of the chicken mixture and topping with the rest of the chicken mixture.
6
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the final layer, and add chopped onion if desired.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8
For serving, consider adding additional picante sauce, sour cream, extra onions, sliced black olives, or more shredded cheese as toppings.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
It is a classic Tex-Mex comfort dish featuring layers of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a creamy spice blend nestled between corn tortillas.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken or canned chicken for convenience.
What kind of tortillas are used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 12 six-inch corn tortillas cut into 1-inch pieces.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 40 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
Can I use Rotel tomatoes instead of fresh chopped tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of chopped tomatoes with 2 cans of drained Rotel tomatoes.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on the final layer.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
Is onion a required ingredient?
No, adding one small chopped onion is optional and can be added if desired.
How much picante sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of picante sauce, which can be adjusted to your taste preference.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 2-quart shallow baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce mixture?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Can I add olives to this dish?
Yes, 4 ounces of canned sliced black olives can be added as an optional ingredient.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of chili powder for seasoning.
How much sour cream is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of sour cream for the creamy chicken mixture.
How do you layer the casserole?
Spread half the tortilla pieces, top with half the chicken mixture, then repeat the layers and finish with cheese.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
This dish channels the warmth and flavors of Mama's Cafe in San Antonio, TX.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I customize the heat level of this casserole?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by choosing different spice levels of picante sauce and Rotel tomatoes.
What are some recommended toppings for serving?
Recommended toppings include extra picante sauce, sour cream, extra onions, black olives, or more shredded cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal and family dinner, perfect for a cozy night in.
Can this meal be frozen?
Yes, it is tagged as a frozen meal, meaning it can be prepared ahead or stored in the freezer.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, tex-mex, chicken, easy meal, comfort food, and one dish meal.
What should the texture of the tortillas be?
The corn tortillas are layered between the mixture to provide structure and texture within the casserole.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including optional items like onion and olives.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and optional chopped onion on top of the layers.