• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Casserole Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easy
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Pork
  • Turkey
  • Make Ahead
  • Cheese
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegetable
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Side Dish
search icon
Homepage link
  • Easy
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Pork
  • Turkey
  • Make Ahead
  • Cheese
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegetable
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Side Dish
×

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Modified: Jan 18, 2025 by Chantal Kirkland · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a clever joining of tender, succulent chicken melded with the rich flavors of bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The cream cheese and sour cream blend into a luscious sauce, enveloping each bite with creamy goodness. The tortillas add a delightful layer of texture, while the mozzarella cheese on top turns golden and bubbly under the broiler. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the spicy kick of jalapenos to the satisfying crunch of crushed tortilla chips. It’s a sensory experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

closeup of a bowl of king ranch chicken casserole ready to enjoy
Jump to:
  • King Ranch Chicken Casserole
  • 📖Printable Recipe:
  • King Ranch Chicken Casserole
  • 📋Ingredients
  • 🔪How Do I Make It?
  • 🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
  • ⏲️Chef's Tip
  • 💭Frequently Asked Questions
  • 🥘More Easy Casseroles

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

🎥Video Recipe:

📖Printable Recipe:

closeup of a bowl of king ranch chicken casserole ready to enjoy

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish that brings together the best of comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American/Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 555 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 white onion chopped
  • ⅛ cup pickled jalapenos chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 rotisserie chicken breasts shredded
  • 1 can 400 g/14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 4 tortillas sliced into triangles
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • jalapenos
  • chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, placed over medium heat. Cook bell peppers and onions for 10 minutes.
    2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 bell pepper, 1 white onion
    onions and other ingredients being sauteed to make king ranch chicken casserole
  • Add jalapenos, garlic and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
    ⅛ cup pickled jalapenos, 3 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    jalapenos and other ingredients being sauteed to make king ranch chicken casserole
  • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Add the chicken. Pour in water and tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Combine the sauce with cream cheese and sour cream, then bring to a light boiling. Stir in sliced tortillas, then top with cheese.
    2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup water, ½ cup cream cheese, ⅓ cup sour cream, 2 rotisserie chicken breasts, 1 can, 4 tortillas, 1 cup mozzarella
    chicken added to the other ingredients to make king ranch chicken casserole
  • Broil for 5 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Serve topped with crushed chips, some jalapenos and parsley.
    crushed tortilla chips, jalapenos, chopped parsley
    final step of making king ranch chicken casserole by topping it with cheese before baking

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 555kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 39gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 634mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1.717IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 263mgIron: 3mg
Keyword casserole, chicken, cream cheese, king ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

📋Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • ⅛ cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 rotisserie chicken breasts, shredded
  • 1 can (400 g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 tortillas, sliced into triangles
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • crushed tortilla chips, jalapenos and chopped parsley for serving
ingredients to make king ranch chicken casserole laid out on a table

🔪How Do I Make It?

Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, placed over medium heat. Cook bell peppers and onions for 10 minutes.

onions and other ingredients being sauteed to make king ranch chicken casserole

Add jalapenos, garlic and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute. 

jalapenos and other ingredients being sauteed to make king ranch chicken casserole

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Add the chicken. Pour in water and tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Combine the sauce with cream cheese and sour cream, then bring to a light boiling. Stir in sliced tortillas, then top with cheese. 

chicken added to the other ingredients to make king ranch chicken casserole

Broil for 5 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serve topped with crushed chips, some jalapenos and parsley.

final step of making king ranch chicken casserole by topping it with cheese before baking

🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?

While King Ranch Chicken Casserole is undoubtedly a star on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, works beautifully to balance the richness of the casserole. The crisp greens and vibrant vegetables provide a refreshing contrast and add a burst of color to your table.

Steamed Vegetables

For a nutritious touch, consider serving steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Their crispness not only enhances the plate aesthetically but also complements the creamy texture of the casserole.

Warm Cornbread

For those looking to indulge, warm cornbread is an excellent side. This comforting bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce, ensuring that no bite of this delicious meal goes to waste.

spoon scooping up a serving of king ranch chicken casserole from a cast iron skillet

⏲️Chef's Tip

Sauté Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

To achieve the best flavor profile in your King Ranch Chicken Casserole, start by sautéing the bell peppers and onions until they reach a soft and caramelized state. This step not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a rich depth to the dish.

Ensure a Smooth Sauce

When incorporating flour into your sauce, it’s crucial to stir well to prevent any lumps from forming. A smooth sauce is essential for a creamy texture that envelops the chicken and tortillas perfectly.

Broil for the Perfect Finish

Don't rush the broiling process! Monitor the casserole closely while it’s under the broiler to achieve that desired golden and bubbly top. This step is key to ensuring your dish not only tastes amazing but also looks appetizing on the table.

cast iron skillet of king ranch chicken casserole fresh from the oven

💭Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of broiling, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, broil it until heated through and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For an extra kick, add more pickled jalapenos or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Definitely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the casserole for a quick and easy meal.

How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, King Ranch Chicken Casserole can last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish, then cover it tightly and store it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then cook in the oven until heated through.

What can I substitute for tortillas?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using corn tortillas or even spaghetti squash as a unique alternative. For a low-carb version, you could also use sliced zucchini or cauliflower.

closeup of king ranch chicken casserole in a cast iron skillet

🥘More Easy Casseroles

If you’ve fallen in love with the King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’re in for a treat with more chicken casserole recipes. Try some of these classics that I just know you'll love:

  • Chicken Poppyseed Casserole
  • Mexican Chicken Casserole
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
  • BBQ Spiced Chicken and Rice Casserole
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
  • Chicken Stuffing Casserole
  • Italian Chicken Casserole

More Best Chicken Casserole Recipes

  • No-Stir Risotto Bake
  • Mum’s Curried Chicken Bake (Tandoori Chicken Curry)
  • serving of chicken divan in a bowl on the table ready to enjoy
    Chicken Divan
  • One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook11
  • Twitter
  • Reddit

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Casserole recipe logo

Hi, I'm Lindsey! Try my favorite casserole recipes I've developed over the years. Each recipe comes with a video demonstration and printable option.

P.S Feel free to share my recipes on your blog, using 1 image and a link back to the recipe directions.

Recipe Index →

Popular Recipes

  • baking dish of greek vegetable casserole being served fresh from the oven
    Greek Vegetable Casserole
  • spoon scooping a serving of Baked Orecchiette with Spinach from a pan
    Baked Orecchiette with Spinach
  • serving of scrambled tofu casserole on a plate ready to enjoy
    Scrambled Tofu Casserole
  • cast iron skillet of italian baked rice and clams being served with a big spoon
    Italian Baked Rice and Clams

Casseroles You should make now!

  • Asparagus Casserole
  • Baked chicken coconut and rice casserole in a glass dish.
    Chicken, Coconut, and Rice Casserole
  • Chicken meatball casserole freshly baked.
    Chicken Meatball Casserole
  • Cowboy Casserole

Helpful Pages

Privacy policy

About / Contact Me

Copyright © 2025 Casserole Recipes | All Rights Reserved

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required