If you're on the hunt for a comforting, delicious, and easy chicken casserole recipe, look no further than the Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, creamy ranch flavors, spicy Tex-Mex ingredients, and melty cheese to create a meal that's guaranteed to please a crowd. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this family-friendly dinner idea is simple to make yet loaded with bold flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this irresistible casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel), drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish to create a crunchy base.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, reserving the other 1/2 cup for later.
- Layer the remaining tortilla chips on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Add your favorite toppings, like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy with a side of guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Customization
- Make it spicy: Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for more heat.
- Swap the protein: Replace chicken with cooked ground beef or shredded pork for a different twist.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
- Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, warm cornbread, or even a side of Mexican rice. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that's great for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you're craving a comforting meal packed with flavor.
Give this easy chicken casserole a try for your next dinner, and watch your family devour every bite!
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