Elevated King Ranch Casserole

Elevated King Ranch Casserole

King Ranch Casserole is truly one of the most “Texas” dishes: think Southwest-style lasagna by replacing noodles with corn tortillas and swapping roasted chicken and cheddar cheese for Italian meat sauce and cheese. This recipe provides a refined take on the Texas classic by adding roasted poblano pepper, smoked paprika, and a lime cream finish. This dish can be enjoyed in the cold months as well as all year round. You could almost call this “sour cream chicken enchilada casserole”.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 Cups shredded chicken (we typically use roasted chicken)

  • 10-12 corn tortilla, cut into triangle pieces

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1 roasted poblano pepper, diced

  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles

  • 1 can Cream of Chicken soup

  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup

  • 1 Cup of chicken broth

  • 2 Cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp chili owder

  • 1/2 tsp. cumin

  • Salt & cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Lime Crema Finish:

  • 1/2 C sour cream

  • 1-2 tsp fresh lime juice

Optional Garnishes (Texas Touch):

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Pickled jalapeños

Directions:

  1. Roast poblano pepper until charred. Peel, seed, and dice.

  2. Saute onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 45 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Stir in Rotel, soups, broth, poblano pepper, and spices. Simmer 5-7 minutes.

  4. Add shredded chicken and mix well.

  5. Layer tortillas, mixture, and cheese in a greased pan similar to building lasagne. Repeat layers.

  6. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes. The cheese and upper surface should be bubbly.

  7. Rest & Serve.

Note about chicken options: this recipe calls for pulled chicken, so the quickest step is to buy store-roasted chicken and pull it apart using two forks. Our version of the recipe is white meat only. You could also bake, poach, and skillet cook the chicken before pulling apart.

Klemchuk PLLC is a leading IP law firm based in Dallas, Texas, focusing on litigation, anti-counterfeiting, trademarks, patents, and business law. Our experienced attorneys assist clients in safeguarding innovation and expanding market share through strategic investments in intellectual property.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific legal matters under federal, state, or local laws, please consult with our IP Lawyers.

© 2025 Klemchuk PLLC | Explore our services

Entrees, ChickenDarin M. KlemchukKlemchuk PLLC