Family Favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Growing up in Texas, casseroles were a staple, a comforting hug in a dish, especially on those crisp autumn evenings when football games were on and the scent of woodsmoke hung in the air. Among the many, the King Ranch Chicken Casserole always held a special place. It wasn’t just the creamy, cheesy goodness or the hint of spice that tickled the palate; it was the shared experience, the way my grandmother would hum as she stirred the pot, the laughter around the dinner table as we scooped generous portions, and the certainty that there would be glorious leftovers for lunch the next day. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a vessel of cherished memories, a taste of home that never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes to 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
• Dietary Type: Traditional

Ingredients

This classic recipe calls for a bit of initial simmering to get the chicken perfectly tender, but the payoff in flavor is immense. Gather these ingredients to recreate this beloved dish:

• For Simmering the Chicken:
  • 1 (4 1/2 lb) roasting chicken
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 3 pieces each
  • 2 carrots, cut into 3 pieces each
  • 2 1/2 – 3 teaspoons salt
• For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (consider using 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper for a little extra kick)
• For Assembly:
  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 (6 inch) fajita-size corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or large spoon
• Tongs
• Whisk (optional, for smoother sauce)

Instructions

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a labor of love, but each step builds towards a truly magnificent result. Don’t be intimidated by the initial simmering; it’s key to tender, flavorful chicken that shreds beautifully.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your roasting chicken comes with giblets, remove them and set them aside for another use. Rinse the chicken under cool water. Place the chicken in a large Dutch oven or pot along with the cut celery ribs, carrots, and 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of salt. Add enough water to generously cover the chicken.
2. Simmer the Chicken: Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Cool and Reserve Liquid: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place it on a plate or cutting board to cool for about 30 minutes. While the chicken cools, strain the cooking liquid. Reserve 3/4 cup of this flavorful liquid for the sauce. You can save any remaining strained cooking liquid for other purposes, like making stock or gravy.
4. Preheat and Sauté Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes tender and translucent. Then, add the chopped green bell pepper and pressed garlic clove to the skillet. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the peppers have softened slightly and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Build the Creamy Sauce: To the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, stir in the reserved 3/4 cup of chicken cooking liquid. Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, dried oregano, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together well, breaking up any clumps of soup. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Prepare the Chicken for Layering: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, skin and bone it. Shred the meat into bite-size pieces. You can use two forks for this or your hands.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Begin by layering half of the shredded chicken in the bottom of the prepared dish.
   • Next, spoon half of the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the soup mixture.
   • Distribute half of the cut corn tortilla strips evenly over the cheese.
   • Repeat these layers once more: Add the remaining shredded chicken, followed by the remaining soup mixture, another 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and the rest of the corn tortilla strips.
   • Finally, top the entire casserole with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too loose.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chicken Simmering: Don’t rush the simmering of the chicken. A gentle simmer for the specified time ensures the meat is incredibly tender and easy to shred, yielding the best texture for the casserole.
• Spice Level: The “diced tomatoes and green chilies” can vary in heat. If you prefer a milder casserole, opt for mild versions. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables.
• Tortilla Crispness: For a slightly crispier tortilla layer, you can lightly toast the corn tortilla strips in a dry skillet or a low oven for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. However, they will soften beautifully during the baking process.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is a fantastic candidate for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake as directed, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F until heated through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Family Favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a side of Mexican rice. For a complete Tex-Mex experience, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top is always a welcome addition.

Leftovers are, as my grandmother always said, “even better the next day.” Store any remaining casserole, once cooled to room temperature, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	727.1 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	48.8 g	75%
Saturated Fat	19.6 g	98%
Cholesterol	175.5 mg	58%
Sodium	1988 mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate	28.7 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	14%
Sugars	3.2 g	12%
Protein	43.5 g	87%

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a beloved classic, there’s always room for personalization:

• Spicy Twist: For those who love extra heat, consider using hot diced tomatoes and green chilies, or adding a minced serrano pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
• Creamier Sauce: If you prefer an even richer sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk at the end of the sauce cooking time.
• Tortilla Alternative: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can experiment with flour tortillas cut into strips for a slightly different texture. However, be aware that flour tortillas will absorb more liquid.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian rendition, substitute the chicken with diced firm tofu or cooked white beans, and use a good quality vegetable broth for simmering the vegetables. Ensure your condensed soups are vegetarian-friendly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is simmering the chicken a necessary step?
A: Simmering the chicken in seasoned water with vegetables infuses it with a deep flavor and ensures it’s perfectly tender, making it ideal for shredding and incorporating into the casserole.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or other pre-cooked chicken. You would need about 3-4 cups of shredded chicken. However, you will miss out on the flavorful poaching liquid, so be sure to season your sauce well.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
A: Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice and provides a wonderful tangy flavor. However, a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese can also be delicious alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
A: Ensure you drain the canned diced tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly. Also, allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it to set up and become less watery.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this gluten-free, you would need to find gluten-free versions of the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, and ensure your chili powder blend is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound comfort in preparing and sharing a dish that has stood the test of time, a recipe that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. This Family Favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole is precisely that kind of dish. It’s a testament to simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something truly special. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, share the process, and savor every delicious bite. May this casserole bring as much joy and as many cherished memories to your table as it has to mine.