King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This creamy, cheesy king ranch chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have it ready for the oven in just 15 minutes which makes it perfect for busy weeknights!

Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

• So easy: Only a few simple steps—just mix, layer, and bake!
• So delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver that bulks up this casserole in no time! You can also use leftover grilled chicken thighs or cooked turkey.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Gives the casserole its creamy base. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as well.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a tomato-y flavor with a little kick. Use plain diced tomatoes or fire roasted diced tomatoes if you prefer.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang. Greek yogurt can also be used.
• Taco Seasoning: Brings classic Tex-Mex flavor. Use my easy homemade taco seasoning recipe or buy a packet from the store.
• Corn Tortillas: Create layers in the casserole and soak up flavor. Flour tortillas work in a pinch, but they don’t hold up quite as well, so the texture will be different.
• Cheese: Colby Jack melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Create the filling by adding shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, taco seasoning, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper to a large bowl.

Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.

Layer the casserole by lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish. Add half of the tortilla pieces, overlapping them slightly.

Continue layering with half of the chicken mixture, then half of the cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and cheese.

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.

Serve after letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and green onion before serving.

Tips for Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Tear the tortillas instead of cutting them—this gives a rustic texture and better layering.
• Adjust spice level by using mild, original, or hot Rotel.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate.
• Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time since it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
• For larger portions, reheat in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

• air fryer green beans
• air fryer asparagus
• creamy street corn dip
• herby roasted potatoes
• simple green salad

Try these easy chicken casseroles next!