King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is packed with so much flavor as it combines creamy chicken, vegetables, and cheese for the perfect kid-friendly dinner that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. As an added bonus it is a low-carb recipe so it is a big win for everyone you are feeding!
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
We love comfort casserole dishes, especially on busy nights! This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is no exception. Every time I make this dish it is a crowd favorite. I mean how can you ever go wrong with a cheesy casserole dish that everyone is sure to love! What’s even better is that this King Ranch Chicken Casserole uses no canned soup mixes. This by far will be one of your favorite casseroles, soon to be yours too!
Love casseroles? You will also want to try our Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up Bake and our Crockpot Taco Tater Tot Casserole.
What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex casserole that is super popular that gets its name from the largest ranch in the United States. As a fun fact though there is no direct connection between the two. Funny how names just stick, huh?
How to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Preheat the oven 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil and add the mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- To the skillet, add the chicken breast, cubed, tomatoes and taco seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and xanthan gum.
- Add the contents of the skillet to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer to the casserole dish and top each with the remaining cheese.
- To bake, place the casserole in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve.
Tips Tricks and FAQs
- Save time by pre-making a rotisserie chicken or picking one up at the grocery store. This dish is so forgiving that you could even get away with using canned chicken.
- This dish can easily be made up to 24 hours before serving it! Just assemble, wrap and place in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
- Try different cheeses with this dish! Instead of Colby-Jack try using Cheddar or even Pepper Jack cheese.
Storage
Fridge
Store your leftover casserole in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
You can easily freeze this casserole baked or unbaked.
If you are freezing unbaked, once assembled let it cool and then wrap it in plastic and then in foil. This helps it keep longer in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then cook according to the recipe. This will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are freezing this casserole after baking you want to make sure it is completely cooled. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Wrap in plastic, and then in foil. When you are ready to enjoy thaw in the fridge and warm up in the oven.
What toppings can I add to this dish?
If you like adding toppings to this dish you aren’t alone! Try adding:
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Green onions
- Olives
- Lettuce
- Sliced jalapenos
- And more!
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is packed with so much flavor as it combines creamy chicken, vegetables, and cheese for the perfect kid-friendly dinner that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. As an added bonus it is low carb so it is a big win for everyone you are feeding!
Ingredients
- 5 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded colby-jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil and add the mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- To the skillet, add the chicken breast, cubed, tomatoes and taco seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and xanthan gum.
- Add the contents of the skillet to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer to the casserole dish and top each with the remaining cheese.
- To bake, place the casserole in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 417Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 773mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 36g
