King Ranch Casserole

Creamy, cheesy King Ranch chicken casserole is famous in Texas, but it’s a new recipe for folks (like me) who live outside the South. I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about and whip up a King Ranch casserole at home in Vermont. I found a vintage version of the recipe that belonged to Lady Bird Johnson, former first lady and wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Texas-born-and-raised Johnsons were known for their love of iconic southern comfort foods. I slightly adapted the recipe to amp up the flavor and spice.

After making it, my family and I agreed it’s definitely one of those quick and easy comfort food recipes we’ll make again. It is creamy with a thick topping of melted cheese and just the right amount of chili pepper heat. The corn tortillas provide a nice bit of chewiness amidst the rich filling, especially along the edges where the tortillas brown and crisp up a little.

What is King Ranch casserole?

King Ranch chicken casserole is a layered Tex-Mex recipe made with corn tortillas, shredded chicken, tomatoes with green chiles, canned soup and plenty of melted cheese. While some versions eschew canned ingredients and attempt to change the King Ranch casserole recipe into a more modern creation, our recipe leans into the dish as it’s meant to be: a Texas casserole that’s easy, cheesy comfort food. Or, as a 1966 edition of the San Antonio Light newspaper put it, “A hit with men as well as with women guests.”

King Ranch chicken casserole is famous in Texas and its neighboring states, where it’s been a staple since the late ’40s. That timing makes sense considering one of its key ingredients—Campbell’s cream of chicken soup—debuted in 1947. The casserole is a staple for family dinners, potlucks, funeral receptions and church suppers. It’s a popular contribution to local Junior League cookbooks too.

Why is it called King Ranch casserole?

It’s unknown exactly where this dish got its name or who created it. Many people have assumed that the recipe was created at King Ranch, a well-known cattle ranch in southern Texas. However, the owners refute this, noting that the ranch’s 168-year history has focused on beef, not chicken.

King Ranch Casserole Ingredients

• Corn tortillas: Toasting the tortillas brings out their delicious corn flavor and improves their texture. It’s worth it, but you can skip this step and use corn tortillas straight from the package if you’re running short on time.
• Chicken: You can use any shredded cooked chicken, whether from a rotisserie chicken or boneless skinless chicken breasts. One whole chicken typically creates 3 to 4 cups shredded chicken.
• Veggies: Onion and poblano peppers are cooked in butter to form the casserole’s aromatic base. Poblano peppers are pretty mild compared to other types of pepper, but you can swap in a green bell pepper if you don’t tolerate heat.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Traditional King Ranch chicken casserole recipes use Rotel, but any brand of diced tomatoes and green chiles works.
• Condensed soup: Condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup give the casserole its signature flavor and creamy consistency. If you don’t want to use store-bought soup, we’ll offer a variation for making the soup from scratch.
• Chicken stock: Use homemade chicken broth or your favorite store-bought brand.
• Seasonings: Our King Ranch casserole recipe is a little spicy from black pepper, a little smoky from chili powder and extra-savory from garlic powder.
• Cheese: Almost any type of shredded cheese works for the recipe. We like a shredded Mexican cheese blend but feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack.
• Optional toppings: Give the casserole a flavorful finish with toppings like sour cream, salsa, chopped fresh cilantro, green onions or tomatoes.

Directions

Step 1: Toast the tortillas

TASTE OF HOME

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large dry skillet over medium-high heat, cook the tortillas until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds on each side. Set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to really toast those tortillas. They’ll have the most flavor if they become brown or lightly blackened on each side.

Step 2: Saute the veggies

TASTE OF HOME

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook and stir for five minutes. Add the poblano peppers, and cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, another three to five minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the chicken mixture

TASTE OF HOME

Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, condensed cream of mushroom and chicken soups, chicken stock, chili powder, garlic powder and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, six to eight minutes.

TASTE OF HOME

Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

TASTE OF HOME

Place six tortillas over the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Top with half the chicken mixture. Arrange the remaining six tortillas over the filling,

TASTE OF HOME

Top with the remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Step 5: Bake the casserole

Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 27 to 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional chili powder and serve with sour cream, salsa, chopped fresh cilantro, green onions and tomatoes.

TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Make it with ground beef: King Ranch casserole is traditionally made with chicken, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to change it up! Add 1 to 2 pounds ground beef to the skillet when you cook the vegetables. Cook the meat, breaking it into crumbles, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Give it some crunch: Some people like to make King Ranch chicken casserole with tortilla chips or Doritos instead of corn tortillas. Try it and see if it’s your thing!
• Change the spices: Add ground cumin to enhance the smoky vibes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to make it spicier. You can also have fun with different chili powders, like chipotle or ancho chile powder.

How to Store King Ranch Casserole

Let King Ranch casserole cool slightly, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze King Ranch casserole?

King Ranch casserole is a great make-ahead freezer meal. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap the dish well and freeze it for up to three months. To bake, let the pan thaw overnight in the fridge. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking, and bake as directed.

King Ranch Casserole Tips

TASTE OF HOME

How do you make King Ranch casserole without condensed soup?

If you want to skip the store-bought condensed soups, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup (including gluten-free cream of chicken soup and dairy-free cream of chicken soup). Since you need two cans for this casserole, double the soup recipe to ensure you have enough.

What is the best chicken to use for King Ranch casserole?

Rotisserie chicken is an excellent option for a King Ranch casserole recipe because it creates a nice mix of dark and white meat chicken. You can also make the chicken, if you prefer. Try making Instant Pot whole chicken (or air-fryer whole chicken, if that’s more your style). To make it with only white meat chicken, prepare baked chicken breasts or poached chicken.

What can you serve with King Ranch chicken casserole?

King Ranch chicken casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, so you don’t need to serve it with any side dishes. Simply carve out a square and garnish it with toppings like sour cream or salsa. If you want side dishes, serve it with five-ingredient salad recipes or quick and easy side dishes. Or, pair it with other famous Texas foods you might find at a potluck, like Texas toast garlic bread or cowboy caviar.