King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible recipe for King Ranch Chicken Casserole! Packed with flavor and loaded with creamy chicken, vegetables, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s not only delicious but also low-carb, making it a guilt-free option for those watching their carb intake. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover the perfect combination of flavor and healthiness!
In this recipe, we’ve taken the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole and given it a nutritious twist by making it low carb. By replacing traditional high-carb ingredients with wholesome alternatives, we’ve created a dish that’s both satisfying and suitable for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Yet, we haven’t compromised on flavor – every bite is still bursting with the rich, creamy goodness that makes King Ranch Chicken Casserole a beloved comfort food favorite. Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or health-conscious diners, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to enjoy a deliciously wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
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 classic Texan dish that features chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce flavored with tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. It’s named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, although its exact origins are uncertain. It is a hearty and comforting dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among families and potluck gatherings in Texas and beyond.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
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
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.
Can this be made in the Crockpot
- Yes, you can adapt this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe to be made in the crockpot. Here’s how:
- Begin by sautéing the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet as directed in the original recipe until softened.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock and cream cheese until smooth.
- Place the cooked vegetables, chicken breast, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken stock and cream cheese mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and xanthan gum. Add this mixture to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole and allow it to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so be sure to check for doneness and adjust accordingly. Enjoy your delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole made in the crockpot!
Tips & Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. Simply shred the chicken meat and use it in the casserole for added flavor and convenience.
- Layering Technique: Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by a layer of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas: Traditional King Ranch Chicken Casserole is made with corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if preferred. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor and tend to hold up better in the casserole.
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the casserole to your taste preferences by using mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make-Ahead Option: King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Simply cover the assembled casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness and color to the finished casserole by garnishing it with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes before serving. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy layers.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve with Side Dishes: King Ranch Chicken Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. Serve it alongside your favorite Tex-Mex accompaniments for a complete and satisfying meal.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting King Ranch Chicken Casserole that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Storage
Store your leftover casserole in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
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
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Very good recipe. Please note there’s no instruction on adding the chicken. I chose to use low carb tortillas for layering.
Hi there.. I am so happy you loved the recipe. The step for the chicken is there, it is just grouped with a couple of other ingredients….To the skillet, add the chicken breast, cubed, tomatoes and taco seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. I appreciate you pointing it out, I definitely occasionally miss something here and there.