Best Easy King Ranch Chicken Recipe

King Ranch chicken casserole layers tortillas, chicken, and a spicy cream sauce for a beloved Texas family dish. This protein-packed, freezer-friendly casserole is rich, flavorful, and always a hit.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#high protein #freezer friendly #tex-mex casserole #family dinner
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Cooked chicken breast, shredded 3 cups
  • Corn tortillas 12 pieces
  • Shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup
  • Chopped green bell pepper 1 cup
  • Chopped onion 1 cup
  • Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour 2 tbsp
  • Chicken broth 1 cup
  • Sour cream 1 cup
  • Chili powder 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin 1 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 29 g 27%
Protein 30 g 29%
Fat 18 g 39%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth gradually. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low, then add sour cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until fully combined and creamy; remove from heat.

  5. 5

    Spread 4 tortillas across the bottom of the dish, tearing to fit if needed. Layer with half the shredded chicken, half the sauce, and half the cheeses. Repeat layers (tortillas, chicken, sauce, cheese) one more time.

  6. 6

    Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this King Ranch Chicken casserole?
The core of this dish is shredded cooked chicken breast, which provides the hearty protein and mild flavor that define King Ranch Chicken. The tortillas and blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses create its signature layers and Tex-Mex character.
Q. How do I keep the casserole moist and flavorful without overcooking?
For a moist casserole, ensure the creamy sauce is thick but pourable before assembling, and don't overbake. Covering with foil for most of the baking time, then removing it at the end for browning, helps keep the layers from drying out while melting the cheese perfectly.
Q. How can I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
Lightly bake or toast the corn tortillas before assembling the casserole to add structure, and avoid oversaturating them with sauce. This, combined with proper baking times, keeps layers distinct and prevents sogginess.
Q. How many calories or protein are in each serving of this casserole?
Each serving is about 320 grams and contains roughly 420 kcal plus 30 grams of protein, making it a protein-packed meal. The macronutrient balance is 27% carbs, 29% protein, and 39% fat per serving.
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