Description
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together pulled chicken, fresh peppers, a creamy homemade sauce, and layers of melty cheese and tortillas baked until bubbling and golden. It’s rich, tangy, and comforting with just the right kick—perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
12 corn tortillas, torn
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook until lightly golden.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken stock and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, red pepper, poblano, and garlic until softened.
5. Add sautéed vegetables to the cream sauce along with diced tomatoes and chicken. Stir in half of the shredded cheeses.
6. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer torn tortillas, then the chicken mixture, then cheese. Repeat for 3 layers.
7. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
Don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking—it helps the casserole firm up.
To reheat, use the oven for a crisp top or microwave for speed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: King Ranch Chicken, cheesy casserole, Tex-Mex dinner