Leftovers are always in my fridge. I don't know about you, but my family doesn't love eating the same thing two days in a row. For leftover chicken, this easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a great recipe. The bonus with this recipe is it can also be made quickly with a rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken as well.
Like the ravioli casserole, this was an easy recipe with standard ingredients that most people have on hand. I only made half of this recipe for us. I wasn't sure how it would freeze with the tortilla chips in it. If you have ever frozen a recipe like this, let me know how it worked!
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a deep flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Instead of tortillas, we’re using crunchy chips to add a fun twist.
- Rotel Tomatoes: These diced tomatoes with green chilies add the perfect amount of heat.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this casserole its rich, cheesy layer.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For that creamy, savory base that holds everything together.
- Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and richness.
How to Make Kickin' King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This casserole called for cooked cubed chicken. This momma stopped and bought a rotisserie chicken on the way home to make the chicken cooking faster:)
I pulled the skin off the chicken and shredded the chicken. I used the entire breast and also the thighs. The kids kidnapped the drumsticks for an appetizer.
I then added the cream of mushroom and chicken soup, Rotelle, and spices. I left the water out of the recipe. The mixture seemed pretty moist without the water.
Mixed it all together before starting on the layers in the casserole dish.
Now the recipe calls for two bags of tortilla chips. I assumed I would need a whole bag for half the recipe. I by no means needed even a half of a bag for the bottom of a two-quart casserole dish.
Once one layer of chips is down, pour the chicken mixture over the chips.
Cover the casserole with a cup and a half to two cups of shredded cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until bubbly.
The Kickin' Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe has a little heat to it with the chili powder, which we loved. However, if you are a family that doesn't like a lot of heat, then you may want to cut back on the chili powder. But, boy is it good. We ate it with some of the tortilla chips that were left.
Make It Your Own:
- Add Heat: Like it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or use hot Rotel.
- Healthier Swaps: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Easy Chicken Recipes
What to serve with Casseroles
Always looking for ideas on what to serve with a good casserole, here a few side dish ideas.
- Traditional 7-Layer Salad Recipe with Peas and Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Easy Creamy Corn Pudding Casserole
- Delicious Grilled Baby Potato Kabobs Recipe
- Crock Pot Hash Brown Casserole
📖 Recipe
Kickin’ King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3-4 chicken breasts or thighs shredded or cubed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotelle 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded colby jack
Instructions
Chicken Filling
- Shred or cube 3-4 cooked chicken breasts or thighs that have had the skin removed.
- Add the soups, Rotelle, and seasonings to the chicken in a large bowl and mix together.
Casserole
- Put a single layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Pour the chicken filling over the chips, covering completely.
- Sprinkle the chicken filling with the shredded cheese to cover completely.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly.
Nutrition
What do you have cooking this week? Don't forget to go register for the 101 Cozy Casseroles cookbook too!
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Terry
I love king ranch casserole, have been eating this yummy stuff since I was a kid. Plan on making a version of this next week.
mjskit
What a great Ranch chicken recipe! So cheesy and tasty! Delicious! Thanks for hosting!
Linda
My old recipe like this used corn tortillas, quickly flash-fried and torn into pieces, but I am going to try tortilla chips now - much easier! I also added sautéed onions and green/red/yellow peppers. It has been a family favorite for years.
Gene S.
Great flavor ! Picky GrandSon devoured it. I wouldn't put as much soup in but all of the Rotel tomatoes and peppers. It was just a little soupy. The chili powder was good and instead of garlic salt, I used garlic powder. Less salt, since the Salsa chips had all the salt on them. Didn't miss it. Will make this again for sure!
Juliana Fendez
I made this recipe exactly as directed Except I used plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and I used canned chicken breast. It was absolutely delicious and so easy and quick to make! Regards Juliana
Marilyn
There was no sour cream listed in the ingredients..Mine tasted fine the way it was.