Name: King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 Tbsp chili powder; 1 Tbsp cooking oil; 2 Tbsp butter; 1 yellow onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 10oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (divided); 5 cups tortilla chip strips (thick rectangular style); 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

There's something about cozy, layered casseroles that instantly make me feel at home, and this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is no exception. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, spice, and creamy goodness that just warms you up from the inside out.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered cheesy casserole. The top layer is melted bright orange cheese with some areas browned slightly. A line of finely chopped red tomatoes and green herbs runs down the center of the dish as a garnish. The edges of the casserole show some of the melted cheese oozing over the side. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some green leaves and a cloth with green and red stripes in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this King Ranch Chicken Casserole more times than I can count, and every time it’s a crowd-pleaser. What’s great is how it balances smoky spices with creamy layers, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike.

Bold flavors: The chili powder and Rotel tomatoes give it that signature smoky, slightly spicy kick you want.
Easy layering: Tortilla chips create just the right crunch and soak up all those saucy, cheesy layers beautifully.
Comfort food at its best: It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty — just the kind of meal you’ll want leftovers of.
Versatile and approachable: You don’t need fancy ingredients or skills, and it comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in layering flavors and textures that make this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe so memorable. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when you’re shopping or prepping:

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder, a small white bowl of golden cooking oil, a few pats of fresh butter, one whole yellow onion, one whole green bell pepper, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of rich chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with diced tomatoes and green chiles, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a small white bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a neat pile of thick rectangular tortilla chip strips, two fresh green onions whole and uncut, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Pounding it to an even thickness ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
Chili powder: This is the backbone spice that adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to sear the chicken without burning the spices.
Butter: Adds richness to your veggie sauté and helps form a silky gravy.
Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks down, balancing the spice elements.
Green bell pepper: Adds fresh color and a bit of crunch after sautéing.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that luscious gravy consistency.
Chicken broth: Brings savory depth and helps dissolve the flour for a smooth gravy.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel): The classic Tex-Mex twist that brings brightness and spice.
Sour cream: Makes the casserole creamy and adds light tanginess.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic cheesy topping we all crave.
Tortilla chip strips: Thick chips hold up well in the casserole, soaking flavors without getting soggy.
Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of freshness after baking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my spin on this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe by swapping in a few things here and there, so you should definitely feel free to experiment too. It’s forgiving and flexible!

Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time — and it tastes just as great.
Diet-friendly tweaks: For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese a little.
Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like a more fiery casserole.

Step-by-Step: How I Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

The image shows a square slice of a layered casserole on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy with chunks of light-colored chicken and small bits of green and red vegetables; the middle layer is thick and cheesy with a smooth, melted golden-yellow cheese covering the top of the casserole; the top layer is garnished with small diced bright red tomatoes and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, creating a fresh contrast to the warm colors below. In the background, part of the larger casserole dish with more of the same cheesy casserole is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

First things first: get your chicken ready. I like to place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they’re about three-quarters of an inch thick. This makes sure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Don’t forget to rub chili powder on both sides—that’s where a lot of the flavor starts!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sauté Veggies

Heat your oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through—usually 5 minutes a side. Don’t rush this; nice browning adds flavor. While the chicken rests, toss in butter, diced onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent. This step builds that welcoming, home-cooked aroma that lets you know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your cooked veggies and stir for about a minute so that flour cooks through and starts to turn golden. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to loosen all the tasty browned bits from the pan—don't skip this, it packs incredible depth. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens nicely into a gravy before taking it off the heat.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole Layers

Drain the diced tomatoes with green chiles and dice your cooked chicken. Stir both into the sauce along with the sour cream and half of your shredded cheddar cheese—this is where creamy meets cheesy magic. Then, layer tortilla chip strips in your casserole dish. I like to start with a good handful for texture balance, add half the chicken mixture on top, then a lighter layer of chips followed by the rest of the chicken mixture. Top it off with the remaining cheddar spread evenly before it hits the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Bake the casserole at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and melts perfectly. Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle your green onions on top to add a fresh bite and pop of color. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in happily!

Top Tip

After countless tries, these little insights have really helped me make the best King Ranch Chicken Casserole. I want you to skip any avoidable pitfalls and nail the perfect texture and flavor the first time!

Even chicken thickness: Pounding ensures quick, even cooking—no dry edges or raw centers.
Drain the tomatoes: Too much liquid can turn the casserole soggy; give your canned tomatoes a good drain before mixing in.
Use thick tortilla chips: I prefer thick rectangular chips because they hold their crunch better and soak up sauce perfectly.
Watch your bake time: Overbaking dries out the casserole, so once it bubbles around the edges and cheese is melted, it’s ready.

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh sliced green onions for a crisp, bright contrast. Sometimes, I toss on a dollop of sour cream or some diced avocado for extra creaminess and richness. A little chopped cilantro on top works great too if you’re feeling fresh and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty, so I like to serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance things out. Spanish rice or simple black beans also complement those Tex-Mex flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions, which guests love. Layered in clear glass dishes, you can show off those pretty textures. Even topping with crushed tortilla chips and a handful of extra cheese before baking ups the presentation appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—if you have any left! I always reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the flavors intact and avoid a dried-out texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead. Just assemble but don’t bake, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—add extra bake time and keep an eye on the cheese topping so it doesn’t burn.

Reheating

I find reheating in a 350ºF oven with a loose foil cover helps keep the casserole moist. About 20 minutes usually does the trick, but if using a microwave, heating in short bursts prevents the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor—just add it in step 4 when mixing the sauce.

What kind of tortilla chips work best?

Thick, sturdy tortilla chips are best for this casserole because they hold up well to the sauce and baking. Thin, flimsy chips might get too soggy and lose that nice texture contrast.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

Yes, you can swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and choose a dairy-free cheese or reduce the amount of cheese altogether. Using less butter or substituting it with oil can also help reduce fat.

How long does the casserole keep after baking?

After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and chicken tender.

Final Thoughts

This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I’ve come back to again and again because it’s just so satisfying on a lazy night or when friends are coming over. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and hits all the right comfort food notes. I hope you’ll give it a go and see for yourself how it can quickly become a favorite in your rotation, too. Let’s get cooking, friend!