Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole stands as a testament to hearty, home-style cooking, embodying the spirit of comfort food that resonates with the “Pioneer Woman” ethos. This recipe, a delightful layering of chicken, tortillas, and cheese, boasts a rich history as a beloved dish, particularly in Texas and across the Southern United States. This version elevates the classic by crafting a simple, homemade sauce, stepping away from canned condensed soups to deliver an authentic, from-scratch experience that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole with text overlay.

A Taste of Texas Tradition

While the exact origins of King Ranch Chicken Casserole remain somewhat of a culinary mystery, its name evokes the iconic King Ranch in South Texas, one of the world’s largest ranches, established in 1853. Despite the name, historical records suggest the casserole’s connection to the ranch is more symbolic than factual. Nevertheless, this dish captures the ranch’s vastness and comforting essence in every cheesy, flavorful bite. It’s a recipe that feels as expansive and welcoming as the Texas landscape itself.

My personal introduction to King Ranch Chicken Casserole is intertwined with heartwarming memories. It was the dish I chose to cook for my husband on one of our first dates. Paired with simple ranch-style beans and a frozen margarita pie, it was a meal that sealed the deal, so to speak. He often jokes that it was the casserole that convinced him to marry me! Since then, it has become a cherished staple in our home, a testament to its enduring appeal and comforting nature.

Close-up of King Ranch Chicken Casserole in baking dish.

Authentic Flavor, From Your Kitchen

This recipe is adapted from a cherished family recipe, passed down from a multi-generational Texan. Its authenticity lies in its commitment to homemade flavors. While traditional versions often rely on canned cream of chicken and mushroom soups for convenience, this recipe champions a from-scratch approach. This homemade sauce is surprisingly easy to prepare and significantly enhances the overall taste and quality of the casserole.

For years, I also prepared King Ranch Chicken Casserole using canned soups, and it was undeniably tasty. However, as I began to prioritize homemade meals and control the ingredients in my family’s food, especially after having children, I transitioned to making my own sauces. The difference is remarkable. Homemade sauces are quick, free from artificial additives and excess sodium, and allow for customization of seasonings to perfectly match your taste.

Serving of King Ranch Chicken Casserole on plate with beans.

Simple Ingredients, Exceptional Taste

What exactly goes into this from-scratch King Ranch Chicken Casserole? The ingredients are simple and readily available, emphasizing fresh flavors and homemade goodness.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole close-up on plate.

Crafting the Homemade Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this casserole, creating a creamy, flavorful base that binds all the layers together. And the best part? It takes mere minutes to make!

Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic provides a robust aromatic base. Feel free to add extra if you are a garlic enthusiast.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard choice, but whole wheat pastry flour or even a gluten-free blend can be substituted.
Milk: Whole milk contributes to a richer sauce, but lower-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk are suitable alternatives.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth or stock adds depth of flavor. Opt for low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
Spices: Cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper combine to create a warm, savory spice profile.

Bite of King Ranch Chicken on fork.

Assembling the King Ranch Casserole

Beyond the sauce, you’ll need a few more key ingredients to bring this casserole to life:

Cooked Chicken: Versatility is key here. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or cook chicken breasts in the oven, slow cooker, or by poaching. For this recipe, slow-cooked chicken breasts are ideal for their tenderness and ease.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are essential for authentic King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Quartering them ensures perfect layering. Flour tortillas are not recommended as they can become gummy in the casserole’s sauce.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend offer classic cheesy flavor. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be used for a different twist or added heat.
Chicken Broth: A bit more chicken broth is needed to keep the casserole moist and prevent it from drying out during baking.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Rotel adds a signature Tex-Mex flavor. While fresh tomatoes and green chilies can be used in season, Rotel provides convenient, year-round availability and consistent flavor.
Fresh Jalapeños (Optional): Minced jalapeños offer a touch of heat as a garnish for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Aerial view of ingredients to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

Step-by-Step to Casserole Perfection

Making King Ranch Chicken Casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how it comes together:

Making the Homemade Sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Stir in flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux.

Starting homemade sauce in pot with butter and garlic.

Adding flour to make from-scratch sauce.

Whisking together butter and flour.

Gradually whisk in milk, followed by chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Increase heat to medium and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Blending milk into sauce for King Ranch Chicken.

Adding broth.

Remove from heat and stir in cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Aerial view of finished homemade sauce for King Ranch Casserole.

Adding spices.

Homemade sauce ready to use in King Ranch Chicken.

Assembling the Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread half of the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Pour half of the homemade sauce over the chicken, spreading it to cover.

First layer of chicken.

First layer of sauce.

Arrange half of the quartered corn tortillas in a layer over the sauce.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tortillas, followed by half of the chicken broth, drizzling evenly.

Layer of corn tortillas on top.

Shredded cheddar on top of corn tortillas.

Repeat layers with the remaining chicken, sauce, tortillas, cheese, and chicken broth.

Second layer of chicken.

Next layer of homemade sauce.

Layer of corn tortillas on King Ranch Casserole.

More cheese and broth.

Top with drained Rotel and minced jalapeños (if using).

Rotel sprinkled on top of cheese.

Final garnish of minced jalapeños.

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and lightly browned.

King Ranch Chicken recipe fresh out of the oven.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For those seeking a gluten-free version, this King Ranch Chicken Casserole easily adapts. Simply substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the homemade sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a seamless swap to accommodate dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Enjoyment

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is wonderful on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a variety of garnishes. Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or diced avocado all complement the rich flavors and textures of the casserole.

Whether adorned with toppings or enjoyed in its simple, cheesy glory, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, from adults to children, even the pickiest eaters. Its warm, satisfying layers of chicken, tortillas, and cheese create a truly irresistible meal.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole on plate with cilantro garnish.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share in the joy of good food and good company. It’s a recipe that will quickly earn a cherished spot in your family’s recipe collection, becoming a go-to for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike.

And a word of caution – this casserole is known to be so irresistible, it might just elicit a marriage proposal or two! Enjoy responsibly!

More Comfort Food Classics

BEST King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a cozy, comfort food classic featuring tender chicken, soft tortillas, and melted cheese, all enveloped in a flavorful, authentic homemade sauce made without canned condensed soups.

By Samantha Skaggs

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 469kcal

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Ingredients

4 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
6 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth OR stock, DIVIDED
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
12 corn tortillas, quartered
8 ounces (2 cups) grated cheddar OR Colby Jack cheese
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chiles), drained
1 jalapeño, seeds & membranes removed and finely diced (optional)

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Make the white sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute. Slowly and gradually whisk in milk and 1 cup chicken stock. Increase heat to medium and stir continuously for several minutes until sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove pot from heat and stir in cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Assemble the casserole: Evenly scatter half of the shredded chicken in the bottom of the baking dish. Dollop half of the sauce on top of the chicken and spread in an even layer. Arrange half of the corn tortilla quarters on top, overlapping slightly and tearing to fill gaps if needed. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top. Drizzle the entire surface with ½ cup of the remaining chicken broth, including corners and edges. Repeat layers of chicken, sauce, tortillas, cheese, and final ½ cup broth. Evenly sprinkle Rotel and diced jalapeños (if using) over the top of the casserole.
Baking: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Notes

Chicken: Use leftover, rotisserie, or freshly cooked chicken. About 1 ½ pounds of frozen chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken yields approximately 4 cups shredded chicken.
Flour: All-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free baking mix can be used for the sauce.
Milk: Whole milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond milk) are suitable.
Rotel Substitute: If Rotel is unavailable, use a regular can of diced tomatoes plus a small (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies. Fresh diced tomatoes and green chilies can also be used in equivalent amounts.

Nutrition

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Post originally published on September 28, 2014, and updated on October 22, 2019, and February 3, 2022.