Ultimate Texas Chicken Casserole: A Flavor Explosion!

King ranch chicken casserole is a longtime hot dish favorite for a reason—rich, creamy, and covered with cheese. Opt for the more indulgent version or dish up this lighter, veggie-packed rendition.

Recipe Details

Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Stand Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Servings:
12

Ingredients

  • 2cupsboiling water

  • 1cupraw cashews

  • ¾cuplow-sodium chicken broth

  • 1tablespoonfresh lime juice

  • 1teaspoongarlic powder

  • ½teaspoonsalt

  • 1 ½teaspoonsblack pepper

  • 1tablespooncanola oil

  • 2teaspoonschili powder

  • 1 ½teaspoonscumin seeds, crushed

  • 1 ½teaspoonsoregano, crushed

  • 2onions, chopped

  • 2red bell peppers, chopped

  • 2green bell peppers, chopped

  • 1jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

  • 3cupschopped fresh tomatoes

  • 4 ½cupsshredded cooked chicken breast

  • 8(6 inch)corn tortillas, cut into quarters

  • 8ouncesshredded Mexican-blend cheese

  • ¼cupsliced green onion

  • Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking Directions

  1. For cashew cream, pour boiling water over cashews in a small bowl. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes; drain. Blend cashews, broth, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender until smooth.

  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chili powder, cumin seeds, and oregano; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño; cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in cashew cream and chicken.

  4. Put one-third of tortilla wedges in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with half the chicken mixture, one-third of tortilla wedges, and 1 cup cheese. Layer with remaining chicken mixture, tortilla wedges, and cheese.

  5. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, about 15 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Top with green onion and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Full Nutrition Label
Servings Per Recipe12
Calories285
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
17g
22%
Saturated Fat
7g
33%
Cholesterol
58mg
19%
Sodium
350mg
15%
Total Carbohydrate
13g
5%
Dietary Fiber
3g
10%
Protein
22g
Potassium
444mg
9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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Dish Photos