FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE
Get the Printable Recipe PDF (Free)
Enter your email and we’ll send you the ingredients + step-by-step instructions as a clean PDF you can save to your phone.
- ✅ Printable PDF (ingredients + steps)
- ✅ Save it to your phone (no long scrolling)
- ✅ Includes cook time + servings
- ✅ Easy to follow
FAQ
Where’s the full recipe?
It’s delivered as a printable PDF so you can save it and cook without scrolling.
I didn’t get the email.
Check Spam/Promotions and search your inbox for your site name. Then click Confirm to receive the PDF.
King Ranch Chicken Recipe Creamy Skillet Casserole
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This King Ranch Chicken Creamy Skillet Casserole is a comforting, flavorful weeknight meal with cheesy edges. It’s a family-friendly classic that’s adaptable for various diets and uses everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 0.5 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 medium onion, chopped (approx. 0.75 cup)
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 6–8 corn tortillas, cut into strips or torn
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth or milk
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken And Vegetables: If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or pressure cooking until an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) is reached. Once cooked, shred the chicken finely. Chop your onion and bell pepper into 0.5-inch (1.2 cm) pieces.
- Sauté Onion And Bell Pepper: In a large, oven-safe skillet (like a 10-12 inch cast iron), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Build Creamy Sauce: Stir the cream of soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, and cumin into the sautéed veggies. Mix until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes; the sauce should appear smooth and bubble gently around the edges. (If it looks too thick, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk to achieve a pourable consistency.)
- Layer The Casserole: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat completely. To assemble this King Ranch Chicken Creamy Skillet Casserole, spread about 0.33 of the chicken mixture on the skillet bottom. Top with 0.33 of the torn tortilla strips, then sprinkle with 0.33 of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers twice more, ensuring the top layer is generously covered with cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the King Ranch Chicken Casserole is visibly bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted, golden brown, and slightly crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, consider organic chicken, low-sodium soup, plant-based sour cream, or gluten-free tortillas. For low-carb options, use low-carb tortillas or layer with cooked cauliflower florets instead. For a heart-conscious approach, opt for low-sodium ingredients and lean chicken breast. Vegans can use plant-based chicken strips, dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, and vegan cheese. If the casserole top is too pale, broil for 2-3 minutes. If the dish seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the sauce mixture before layering. If the flavor is bland, add a pinch more chili powder, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a dash of hot sauce. Choose vibrant, firm bell peppers and good quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best results. This recipe utilizes an oven-safe skillet for a seamless transition from stovetop to oven cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 500 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg