Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a dish so comforting it feels like a warm hug? Let me tell you about my absolute favorite—Creamy & Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole! This delightful casserole is a staple at my dinners, and I swear, it always disappears faster than you can say, “Who wants seconds?”
I remember the first time I made this casserole; it was a rainy evening, and I had not planned ahead for dinner. Thankfully, I had some cooked chicken in the fridge and a few pantry staples. In no time, I had this creamy, cheezy masterpiece bubbling away in my oven, filling the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. The combination of flavors—a little spicy, a little cheesy—just makes my heart sing. Let’s dive into how to make this culinary joy!
What’s in Creamy & Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
Cooked Chicken: This is the star of the show! Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will work.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich and creamy base to our casserole. It’s super easy and ensures that every bite is velvety smooth!
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A perfect flavor enhancer that complements the chicken and adds depth. If you’re a mushroom lover, you’re going to adore this combo!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: I always go for Rotel for this one—it’s just the right amount of kick! These tomatoes add a nice tangy freshness that cuts through the creaminess.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These veggies sauté beautifully and give the dish a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin: Don’t be shy with these spices! They bring a warmth to the casserole that makes it truly special.
Corn Tortillas: The classic choice for layering and texture. I like to cut them into strips, but you can be creative with your layers.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because who can resist melted cheese? It creates a beautiful golden crust on top and lots of cheesy goodness inside.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a hint of tang that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
Fresh Cilantro: For a pop of color and freshness at the end, don’t skip this garnish!
Is Creamy & Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Good for You?
Now, while this casserole is an absolute treat, let’s talk a bit about its health profile.
Chicken: A great source of lean protein that helps keep you full.
Cream Soups: These do add a chunk of flavor, but they can be high in sodium and saturated fats, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your intake. Look for low-sodium options if preferred.
Corn Tortillas: Whole corn tortillas offer some fiber, making them a better choice than regular white bread for layering!
On the downside, the cheese and cream can be calorie-dense, so I recommend enjoying a serving with a side of greens to balance things out. Moderation is key, my friend!
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Serves: about 6
How to Make Creamy & Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream. Mix well to combine.
4. Layer 1/3 of the torn tortilla strips in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with 1/3 of the chicken mixture and 1/3 of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Tasty Tips
Now, this dish is pretty fantastic on its own, but if you want to wow your family or guests even more, try serving it with a side of Mexican-style corn salad or a simple green salad. You can also add sliced jalapeños on top for those who enjoy an extra kick!
And feel free to switch it up—maybe throw in some black beans or corn for more texture, or use a different type of cheese if cheddar isn’t your jam. Let your creativity run wild!
Trust me, once you whip up this Creamy & Cheesy King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. I can guarantee that you and your loved ones will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—happy cooking!
