This classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole is creamy and cheesy and full of Tex-mex flavor. It has just enough spice to give it a little kick of flavor but not too spicy for the kids.

This recipe could very well be called the state casserole of Texas! It’s named after one of the oldest ranches in Texas and has classic Tex-mex flavor. It’s smooth and creamy with layers of chicken and cheese and a homemade mushroom gravy.

Ingredients Needed:

(scroll down for complete recipe with measurements and instructions)

• butter, I salted butter for everything 
• onion
• bell pepper
• mushrooms 
• all purpose flour
• chicken broth
• whole milk 
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder 
• chili powder
• diced tomatoes with green chilies, I use mild but you can use whichever level of spice you prefer
• cooked and shredded chicken
• corn tortillas
• shredded Monterrey Jack cheese  

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole: 

• First you make the gravy by sautéing the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms in the butter. Sprinkle the flour on top and brown and stir for just a minute or two. Add the broth, milk, and seasonings and whisk till smooth and thickened. 
• Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the chicken to the gravy and stir to combine.
• In a large casserole pan (I use a 4 quart pan) layer corn tortillas, the chicken mixture, and cheese. 
• Pour broth over everything and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling. 
• Serve and enjoy! 

The first time I ever had this casserole was at my friend Leah’s house many years ago when we were both young moms (and lived in Texas. She still does but I’m in Colorado now). It was soo good and I immediately asked her for the recipe. I have adapted it some to make the onions and bell peppers less crunchy to satisfy my kids and I also make the gravy instead of using canned cream soup. It’s a family favorite recipe that has long had a place in my recipe box. I hope y’all enjoy it! 

Happy Eating! 
~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”   ~Rachel 

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole is creamy and cheesy and full of Tex-mex flavor. It has just enough spice to give it a little kick of flavor but not too spicy for the kids.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Texan

Keyword Casserole, cheese, Chicken, Main Course, Tex-Mex

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 10 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter 8 tbsp, one stick
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms finely chopped
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth divided
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 - 10.5 oz mild diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 18 corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes till onions are transparent.
• Add the flour and stir till absorbed.
• Add 2 cups chicken broth and the milk and whisk till smooth.
• Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder and simmer till thickened.
• Stir in the diced green tomatoes with green chilies and the chicken.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Layer 6 tortillas in the bottom of a 4 quart casserole pan. Place half the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas, sprinkle with one cup of cheese, and then place another layer of 6 tortillas, layer the rest of the chicken, sprinkle on another cup of cheese, and top with the last 6 tortillas.
• Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the top.
• Sprinkle the last cup of cheese over everything.
• Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

I usually cook a whole chicken for this recipe. That way I have the broth I need and I save any extra shredded chicken for another use.

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