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Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Joanna Gaines’ King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of spice. Looove this!

I’ve learned that to get the most flavorful casserole, roasting the chicken beforehand with a little seasoning makes a big difference.

Use freshly grated cheese because it melts so much better than pre-shredded cheese, giving the casserole a smoother, creamier finish.

You’ll also want to make sure your chicken is shredded into smaller, bite-sized pieces so it blends well with the other ingredients.

This is one of those recipes that’s simple enough to follow but packed with everything you need in a hearty meal!

How to Make Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Chicken (cooked and shredded)
  • 12 Corn Tortillas
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz.)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz.)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz.)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Layer half of the tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish.

You might need to tear them to fit.

Step 4:

Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5:

Top with half of the cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and finish with cheese on top.

Step 6:

Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

joanna gaines king ranch chicken casserole in a dish

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken

To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken from the store!

Just shred it before adding it to your sauce mixture.

Warming Tortillas

Warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave.

This makes them more flexible and less likely to tear when layering.

Adjust Spice Levels

Taste the sauce before layering.

Adjust the spices to your preference by adding more chili powder or cayenne if you enjoy extra heat!

Cheese Choices

Feel free to mix in a bit of Monterey Jack cheese for added creaminess.

It can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.

This helps it set up and makes serving easier.

What to Serve with Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Cornbread Muffins

I think you’ll find cornbread muffins to be a classic and comforting side with King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

The buttery texture of these muffins complements the creamy casserole so well.

A slight touch of sweetness can balance the spice in the dish wonderfully!

Jicama Salad with Lime

Looking to mix things up?

Try a refreshing jicama salad with lime dressing.

It provides a crisp and tangy contrast that pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango pico de gallo is an unexpected twist on a traditional salsa.

It’s full of vibrant colors and flavors that will bring a fresh perspective to your meal.

This tangy and sweet salsa beautifully offsets the hearty casserole.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Cilantro lime slaw offers a zesty crunch that can’t be ignored!

It’s light and bright, making it a delightful counterpoint to the warm, cheesy dish.

I always love how the citrus notes lift the entire meal.

Jalapeno Cornbread

You can also try jalapeno cornbread for a spicy variation.

The subtle heat from the jalapenos adds an exciting layer to the meal experience.

This side is perfect if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick!

Variations and Substitutions

Change Up the Protein

You can use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground beef for different flavors.

This is a great way to use leftovers!

Spice Adjustments

Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or incorporating jalapeños.

If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the spicy ingredients.

Tortilla Choices

Use corn tortillas for a classic feel, or try flour tortillas for a softer texture.

You can also consider using tortilla chips for added crunch.

Soup Alternatives

Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or try cream of celery for a twist.

Cream of mushroom also adds a unique flavor.

Cheese Selections

Cheddar is a go-to, but you can try Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack for extra zing.

Feel free to mix different cheeses to suit your taste!

Vegetables

Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn can enhance the dish.

These are great options if you want to include more veggies.

Serving Style

Think about serving with a fresh salad or avocado slices for an additional layer of taste.

This complements the rich flavors of the casserole.

How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Keep It Fresh

It’s important to always place leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.

Make sure the chicken casserole has cooled down to room temperature before sealing it in a container.

Stored correctly, the leftovers should stay good for three to five days in your refrigerator.

Freezing Options

If you’re thinking of enjoying the casserole later down the line, you can freeze it for long-term storage.

Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in aluminum foil or use a heavy-duty freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

When properly packaged, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Label Everything

Always remember to label your containers with the date before storing them away.

This helps you track how long the leftovers have been stored and keeps your meals organized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

It’s crucial not to overcook the chicken when you’re making King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s just warmed through.

Overcooking could lead to dry, rubbery texture that won’t be very enjoyable!

Warm the Tortillas

Don’t forget to warm your tortillas before you start layering them into the casserole.

This simple step makes them more flexible and less likely to tear when you’re putting everything together.

You can heat them in a skillet or microwave for best results.

Layer Evenly and Consistently

When you’re assembling the casserole, take care to layer all your ingredients evenly.

An even distribution ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

Make sure the sauce is well-distributed, and the cheese is sprinkled across the top evenly!

joanna gaines king ranch chicken casserole recipe

Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Joanna Gaines’ King Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of spice. Looove this!
I’ve learned that to get the most flavorful casserole, roasting the chicken beforehand with a little seasoning makes a big difference.
Use freshly grated cheese because it melts so much better than pre-shredded cheese, giving the casserole a smoother, creamier finish.
You’ll also want to make sure your chicken is shredded into smaller, bite-sized pieces so it blends well with the other ingredients.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Chicken cooked and shredded
  • 12 Corn Tortillas
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz.
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 10.5 oz.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies 10 oz.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a large skillet, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Layer half of the tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish.
  • You might need to tear them to fit.
  • Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
  • Spread it evenly with a spatula.
  • Top with half of the cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and finish with cheese on top.
  • Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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