Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream or crema and cooked shredded chicken. A good chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It warms the bones, makes you feel good, and hey, they’re HUGE on flavor. Especially the way I make mine. This particular dish is a classic casserole recipe. It’s called King Ranch Casserole, and you’re going to love it. Let’s talk about it! The name is apparently associated with the King Ranch in Texas, though people from King Ranch say the recipe didn’t originate with them. It is interesting to note that King Ranch is known for its beef, and King Ranch Casserole is a chicken dish. It is a common potluck dish, popular at parties and gatherings. As with any dish like this, recipes can vary from cook to cook and personal tastes. My version of the recipe skips the soup cans and starts with a roux that is so much more flavorful. It’s made from scratch, aside from canned tomatoes, though you can use fresh tomatoes. I’m using fire roasted tomatoes and cooking down peppers and onions in the roux instead of using a can of Ro-Tel, though Ro-Tel is fine here. I’m also using some of my favorite chili powders - ancho and pasilla - though you can season it to your preference, as discussed in the ingredients section. Let’s talk about how we make it, shall we? Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir. Cook them down for 5 minutes to soften. The mixture will be somewhat pasty. Stir in the seasonings - chili powder, cumin, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth and fire roasted tomatoes. The mixture will thicken up slightly like a chunky sauce. Cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop. Add a layer of shredded cheese. Layer the Casserole. Set 4 tortillas into the bottom of a square casserole dish, then add a few scoops of the saucy vegetable and chicken mixture. Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Garnish with your toppings and serve! Boom! That’s it, my friends! That’s how you make a good homemade king ranch casserole with chicken. Pretty easy, right? Easy and tasty!
Storage & Leftovers
Storing your Homemade King Ranch Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge may allow you to store the leftovers for up to 3-4 days (2-3 months in the freezer). To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate the dish promptly. NOTE: This page was updated on 11/4/20 to include new information. It was originally published on 1/6/20.
