Seven-Can King Ranch Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole layered with tortillas, chicken, and flavorful green chilies, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 18 corn tortillas (6-inch), cut into quarters ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) cans chunk white chicken or 2 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, soak the tortillas in the chicken broth for 2 minutes.
- Remove the tortillas to a plate and set aside.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies to the broth and mix well.
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer 1/3 of the tortillas in the dish.
- Spread 1/3 of the sauce over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese over the sauce.
- Add 1/2 of the chicken on top.
- Repeat the layers twice, ending with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute low-fat cream soups and cheese. For a twist, try using corn tortillas with a hint of lime or adding black beans for extra texture. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works great in this dish and saves time, similar to recipes like Pollo Y Tortilla Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or fresh cilantro on top. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Salsa Soup for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seven-Can King Ranch Casserole contains roughly 430 calories, with 14g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1535mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or grilled vegetables instead of chicken. You can also substitute with shredded beef or turkey if preferred, making this a versatile dish that can adapt to various protein preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate jalapeños or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjusting the spice level allows you to customize this casserole to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).