King Ranch Chicken Casserole
No CommentsNov 04, 2025
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This King Ranch Casserole is a breeze to make in the slow cooker. Filled with creamy southwest sauce, tender chicken and corn tortillas, it’s a meal you will look forward to.
If you have tried my chicken enchilada casserole, you will love the flavors in the King Ranch Casserole. The only difference is that this one has a decadent southwest sauce instead of enchilada sauce. It is great for feeding a hungry family or for having yummy leftovers in the fridge all week.
Key Ingredients
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts that cook tender and shred easily.
Rotel: Brings diced tomatoes, green chiles, and just the right amount of heat..
Corn Tortillas: Are added at the end of the cooking time and pull the casserole together.
Sauce: Heavy cream + cornstarch + spices create a smooth base—no cream soup needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts through every layer for that classic, cheesy finish.
How to Make King Ranch Casserole
- Slow cook the seasoned chicken, onion, broth, and Rotel until tender.
- Stir in the creamy mixture, torn tortillas, and cheese.
- Cook until bubbly and serve.
Sarah’s Tips & Variations
Flour Tortillas: I don’t recommend using flour tortillas because they can become sticky or gluey if the casserole sits for too long. Though if you serve individual portions with the filling that works well.
Beef Ranch Casserole: Substitute stew meat for chicken and use beef broth instead.
Extras: Feel free to add a cup of black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
How to Serve King Ranch Casserole
Other Serving Options: Serve over tortilla chips or steamed white rice for a twist.
Toppings: We love sour cream, cilantro, chopped tomatoes and green onion (or it’s just fine as is!).
Other Sides: To feed more people, serve with Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, or a green salad.
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze for up to three months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture has thickened too much.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ Tbsp. cornstarch
- 8-10 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Serving ideas (optional)
- sour cream, for topping
- fresh cilantro, for garnish
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onion over the top.
- Add chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add in the Rotel with the juices. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the torn corn tortillas and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything well and cover the slow cooker again. Cook on HIGH for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly.
- Serve with any desired topping and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
My Other Slow Cooker Casseroles
Try my Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders for an easy weeknight main dish that pairs perfectly with any casserole.
For something hearty and family-friendly, make the Fiesta Chicken Casserole, Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole, or Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
You’ll also love the classic comfort of Cowboy Casserole and the cheesy, flavorful Taco Potato Casserole.
