Description
A quick and easy creamy King Ranch chicken casserole with cheesy layers, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals. This recipe features tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and melty cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips (corn tortillas can be used for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for sautéing vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables into the sauce mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
- Place a layer of tortilla strips at the bottom of the baking dish to cover evenly. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh shredded chicken for best texture. For extra crispiness, broil casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. To reduce fat, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese. Layering tortillas in strips prevents sogginess and helps casserole hold shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: King Ranch chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipe, layered casserole, comfort food