New King Ranch Casserole

New King Ranch Casserole is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by WholeFoodsMarket on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $16.79 total, $2.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup White Onion (diced)
  • 2 cups Swiss Chard Greens (stems removed, leaves roughly chopped)
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (sliced lengthwise)
  • 6 pieces Corn Tortillas (cut in half)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz, regular)
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (canned, drained)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided, plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Prepare Vegetables

    Dice the red and yellow bell peppers and the white onion. Remove the stems from the Swiss chard, discard them, and roughly chop the leaves. Set all vegetables aside in the mixing bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Slice Chicken

    Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice each breast lengthwise to create thinner pieces for quicker cooking.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Grease Casserole Dish

    Lightly brush the bottom and sides of the casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Slice Tortillas

    Cut each corn tortilla in half crosswise; you will have 12 halves for layering.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Create Soup‑Veggie Mixture

    In the mixing bowl, combine the diced peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Stir until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  7. First Layer – Tortillas

    Arrange a single layer of tortilla halves covering the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Chicken

    Place the sliced chicken pieces on top of the tortilla layer, spreading them evenly.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Add Veggie‑Soup Layer

    Spread half of the soup‑vegetable mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Second Layer – Tortillas

    Add another layer of tortilla halves over the cheese mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Add Remaining Chicken and Greens

    Place the remaining chicken slices, then scatter the chopped chard leaves over them. Pour the remaining soup‑vegetable mixture on top.

    Time: PT4M

  12. Top with Cheese

    Finish with the remaining shredded cheese, spreading it evenly over the top layer.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Bake Casserole

    Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 350°F

  14. Garnish and Serve

    Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein

Allergens: milk, wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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New King Ranch Casserole

Recipe by WholeFoodsMarket

A fresh take on the classic King Ranch Casserole featuring colorful bell peppers, tender chicken, chard greens, creamy tomato‑chicken soup, and melted cheese layered between tortilla halves. Easy to assemble, baked until golden, and finished with bright cilantro.

MediumTex-MexServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.79
Total cost
$2.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Grease the casserole dish
  • Layer tortillas without gaps
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
  • Bake for a full hour for proper set

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and casserole dish with oven mitts
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illness

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of King Ranch Casserole in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

King Ranch Casserole originated in the early 20th‑century ranches of South Texas, combining staple ingredients like tortillas, chicken, and cheese into a one‑dish comfort food that fed large crews. It reflects the region’s blend of Mexican and American cooking traditions and remains a beloved family‑style meal today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of King Ranch Casserole in Texas?

A

In West Texas the casserole often includes green chilies and a spicier tomato sauce, while East Texas versions may add sausage or use corn instead of tortillas. Some cooks substitute sour cream for extra creaminess, but the core layers of tortilla, chicken, and cheese stay consistent.

cultural
Q

How is King Ranch Casserole traditionally served in Texas ranch households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the oven, sliced into squares, and accompanied by fresh salsa, guacamole, or a simple lettuce salad. Families often garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños for a bright finish.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is King Ranch Casserole traditionally enjoyed in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

The dish is popular for weekend family gatherings, pot‑luck parties, and holiday meals such as Thanksgiving when a Tex‑Mex twist is desired. Its make‑ahead nature also makes it a favorite for game‑day feasts and community events.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with New King Ranch Casserole?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, a crisp corn‑on‑the‑cob salad, or a tangy pico de gallo. A chilled margarita or a light cerveza complements the rich, cheesy casserole nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes New King Ranch Casserole special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

This version adds Swiss chard for extra greens, uses fresh diced peppers for color, and layers the ingredients multiple times for a more complex texture compared with the classic single‑layer version. The fresh cilantro garnish brightens the finished dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making New King Ranch Casserole?

A

Common errors include over‑crowding the casserole, which can trap steam and make it soggy, not greasing the dish which leads to sticking, and under‑cooking the chicken. Follow the layering steps and bake the full hour to ensure a set, golden top.

technical
Q

Why does this New King Ranch Casserole recipe use cream of chicken soup instead of a homemade roux?

A

The canned soup provides a quick, creamy base that binds the layers without extra stovetop work, keeping the recipe fast‑track for home cooks. A roux could be used for a fresher flavor, but the soup ensures consistent texture and richness.

technical
Q

Can I make New King Ranch Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the final cheese topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel WholeFoodsMarket specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel WholeFoodsMarket focuses on wholesome, seasonal recipes that highlight Whole Foods’ product lines, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials, nutrition tips, and sustainable cooking practices for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel WholeFoodsMarket's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

WholeFoodsMarket emphasizes fresh, whole‑ingredient versions of classic Tex‑Mex dishes, often incorporating nutrient‑dense vegetables like chard and using clean‑label pantry staples, whereas many other channels may rely on processed shortcuts or heavy sauces.

channel

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