Grandma’s Secret Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Recipe

King Ranch chicken casserole sizzles with Southwestern soul, turning mundane weeknight dinners into festive feasts.

Layers of succulent chicken melt into crispy tortillas, creating a flavor explosion that dances across your palate.

Creamy sauces intertwine with bold spices, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

This Tex-Mex marvel brings comfort and excitement to every forkful.

Families gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and zesty seasonings.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and home-cooked love.

Get ready to become the kitchen hero who serves up pure deliciousness.

What to Pair With Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Greens: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, spicy casserole.
• Pair with Cool Companions: Serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, or a crisp green salad to balance the warm, hearty dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Add a side of Mexican-style rice or refried beans to turn this casserole into a complete, satisfying dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Toppings: Let diners add their favorite hot sauce, extra cheese, or sliced jalapenos to personalize their plate and kick up the heat to their liking.

How to Store Leftovers of Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Maximize Meal Prep: Batch cook this chicken tortilla casserole for multiple meals throughout the week. Separate into individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen portions stay fresh for 2-3 months, making meal planning a breeze.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Essentials You Need for Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Select low-sodium version for balanced flavor profile.
• Cream Of Mushroom Soup: Choose organic brands with minimal preservatives.
• Diced Tomatoes With Chiles: Pick fire-roasted variety for deeper taste complexity.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for homemade or low-sodium options for healthier preparation.

• Chili Powder: Fresh, vibrant spice ensures robust southwestern kick.
• Cumin: Select whole seeds ground fresh for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for cleaner mineral undertones.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked peppercorns deliver brighter zesty notes.

• Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie or freshly roasted for tender meat texture.
• Corn Tortillas: Select authentic stone-ground tortillas for authentic character.
• Cheddar Cheese: Aged varieties provide sharper, more pronounced flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Smooth melting cheese adds creamy mild background.

• Red Bell Peppers: Choose firm, vibrant peppers with glossy exterior.
• Yellow Bell Peppers: Select bright, crisp peppers without blemishes.
• Onions: Sweet white or yellow onions work perfectly for balanced taste.
• Jalapenos: Fresh peppers with bright green color indicate peak ripeness.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy vessel for blending sauces and ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for creating silky, lump-free sauce mixtures.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering casserole components evenly.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.
• Measuring Spices: Helps accurately add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh cheddar and monterey jack cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Fire Up the Cooking Station

Warm your kitchen buddy (oven) to a cozy 350°F. Grab a large baking dish and slather it with butter so nothing sticks.

• Whip Together Zesty Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chiles, and a splash of chicken broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until silky smooth.

• Craft Delicious Layers

Create a flavor explosion by starting with torn corn tortillas as your base. Scatter shredded chicken, diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and spicy jalapenos across the bottom. Blanket everything with a generous handful of cheddar and monterey jack cheese. Pour half the sauce over this delicious landscape. Repeat the entire layer one more time for maximum taste.

• Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another 15 minutes. Watch for melted cheese and crispy edges that scream “I’m ready!”

• Rest and Enjoy

Give your masterpiece 10 minutes to cool down. This lets all those incredible flavors mingle and makes slicing a breeze. Serve up and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Spice Up Your Casserole: Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeno quantities or using different chile pepper varieties.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with additional cheese types like pepper jack, gouda, or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Simply add 10-15 minutes to cooking time when ready to serve.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for delicious alternative protein options that keep the meal exciting and versatile.

Hearty Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken casserole brings hearty Texan comfort to dinner tables with layers of tortillas, chicken, and creamy sauce. Cheese-topped and baked until golden, this dish promises a satisfying meal that delights with rich southwestern flavors you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole roasted chicken (rotisserie), cooled and shredded
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups monterey jack cheese, grated
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 16 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with chiles (rotel)
• 1 large white/yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• butter, for greasing baking dish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. Initial Layering: Construct the base by spreading torn tortillas across the baking dish, followed by an even distribution of shredded chicken, diced onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and jalapeños.
4. Cheese Infusion: Generously sprinkle Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the vegetable-chicken layer, then pour half of the prepared soup mixture to ensure comprehensive coverage.
5. Final Assembly: Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and soup mixture, creating a robust and flavorful casserole structure.
6. Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface becomes golden and cheese melts completely.
7. Serving Technique: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to set and facilitating easier portioning.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, which intensifies flavors and saves time during busy weeknights.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for superior melting and richer texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference – remove seeds for milder taste or add more for extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Freezing Option: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg