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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

A comforting, cheesy casserole layered with shredded chicken, spicy tomatoes, and tortillas, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Adds a rich and creamy base to the filling.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Provides a sweet and aromatic backbone.
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped Adds a fresh crunch.
  • 1/4 cup flour Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
  • 3 1/2-4 cups cooked shredded chicken The star ingredient.
  • 1 can Rotel, well drained (10 oz.) Adds a spicy and tangy kick.
  • 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream) Creates a creamy texture.
  • 12 pieces corn tortillas Provides a comforting base.
  • 2-3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar) Melts beautifully.
  • to taste none Chopped fresh cilantro For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and green pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken broth and stir until you have a smooth sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded chicken, drained Rotel tomatoes, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Spoon 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into the dish as a base layer.
  3. Layer 6 tortillas over the chicken base, followed by half of the remaining chicken mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Repeat with another layer of 6 tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture and the rest of the cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  2. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, roast the peppers and onions beforehand. You can add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. Consider topping with crushed tortilla chips during the last minutes of baking.