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Dorothy Thomas

King Ranch Chicken Recipe Joanna Gaines

A creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex casserole layered with tender chicken, corn tortillas, and a rich sauce made with Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles. Comfort food at its best!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 10
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern, Tex-Mex
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp 30 mL Unsalted butter
  • 1 Medium Yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 Medium Green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 Medium Red bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 can 10 oz (284 g) Cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can 10 oz (284 g) Cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can 10 oz (284 g) Ro-Tel tomatoes (diced, with green chiles)
  • 1 cup 240 mL Chicken broth
  • 1 tsp 5 g Cumin
  • 1 tsp 5 g Chili powder
  • ½ tsp 2.5 g Salt
  • ½ tsp 2.5 g Black pepper
  • 3 cups 420 g Cooked chicken (shredded)
  • 12 Corn tortillas (cut into strips)
  • 2 cups 200 g Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup 100 g Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • For garnish Fresh cilantro (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  •  Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the sauce in the baking dish. Top with 6 tortilla strips, half the chicken, and 1/3 of the cheese.
  5. Repeat layers: sauce, tortillas, chicken, cheese. Finish with remaining sauce and cheese.
  6. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro (optional).

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and bake before serving.
  • Substitutions: Use flour tortillas or swap soups for homemade versions.
  • Spice Level: Add jalapeños for extra heat.