Name: Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 1 large white onion, chopped; 1 large green bell pepper, chopped; 21.5 ounces Cream of Onion soup (two 10.75 ounce cans); 10 ounces Ro-Tel tomatoes & chiles; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 12 6″ corn tortillas, sliced into 1″ pieces

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 20 reviews

If you’re longing for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself, Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Bursting with gooey cheese, tender chicken, pops of sweet bell pepper, and a satisfying kick from Ro-Tel tomatoes, it’s everything you crave in a classic Tex-Mex casserole, only easier! This one-pot wonder layers tortillas, creamy sauce, and all the bold, comforting flavors you love—no oven required. It’s one of those recipes you’ll look forward to sharing with family and friends… and likely find yourself making on repeat!

Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken, gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to capture cozy Tex-Mex magic. Each ingredient plays a special role in making the dish extra flavorful and irresistibly gooey.

Cooked chicken (4 cups, chopped): Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken makes this dish both speedy and packed with savory bites.
White onion (1 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth that meld beautifully as the casserole cooks.
Green bell pepper (1 large, chopped): Offers fresh crunch and signature Tex-Mex color.
Cream of onion soup (2 cans, 10.75 oz each): Creates a velvety, savory base for that “can’t-stop-eating” creamy texture.
Ro-Tel tomatoes & chiles (10 ounces): Brings a touch of heat and vibrant tomato flavor—choose mild or original for comfort or a little kick.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Gives every forkful that subtle, earthy warmth distinctive to King Ranch casseroles.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Delivers savory aroma and depth that rounds out the dish.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into gooey perfection and adds richness—grate yours fresh if you can!
Corn tortillas (12, 6″ size, sliced in 1-inch pieces): Layered in for hearty texture and that classic casserole structure; slice with a pizza cutter or just tear by hand.

How to Make Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Chicken Filling

Gather a large mixing bowl and combine your chopped cooked chicken, onion, green bell pepper, cream of onion soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chiles, chili powder, minced garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a big stir so the flavors meld, and every bite is packed with cheesy, Tex-Mex goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Using a pizza cutter (or just your hands!), slice the corn tortillas into bite-sized, one-inch pieces. These will be your “noodle” layers in the casserole, adding that iconic South Texas twist. The tortilla pieces should be sturdy enough to hold up through hours of slow-cooking.

Step 3: Prep the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the basin of your slow cooker with non-stick spray, or use a liner for easy cleanup. Don’t skip this step—nothing sticks like cheesy casseroles! Now you’re ready to layer up the Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Add one-third of the tortilla pieces to the bottom of the slow cooker, then spoon over a third of the chicken mixture. Repeat, layering tortillas and filling twice more for three delicious layers total. If you adore a super cheesy casserole, sprinkle extra cheddar on the top layer.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let your Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken cook on LOW for 3.5 hours. The flavors will meld, the cheese will bubble, and the whole house will smell amazing. When the timer’s up, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes. This little trick brings a richer, oven-baked flavor and lets the top set just perfectly.

How to Serve Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken

Garnishes

Top each steaming scoop with bright, fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or diced avocado. A squeeze of lime adds a touch of acidity that makes every spoonful pop, while a dollop of sour cream is always welcome with anything Tex-Mex.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken is plenty hearty on its own, but for a real feast, pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, or some tortilla chips for scooping up saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon it piping hot into colorful bowls for a family-style “casserole night,” or layer small portions over tortilla chips for irresistible nachos at your next game night. You can also get creative and serve King Ranch Chicken inside baked bell pepper halves or stuff it in warm flour tortillas for a Tex-Mex taco twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any leftover Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even cozier; just be sure to store it once cooled to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps maintain the tortillas’ texture and keeps your chicken tender.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until piping hot, adding an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating if you like it extra melty. For oven reheating, cover your casserole dish with foil to prevent drying out, especially if it’s been frozen.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, if you prefer flour tortillas, you can substitute them for the corn tortillas. Keep in mind, the texture will be softer and a bit less traditional, but still delicious!

Is it possible to make Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken spicy?

Absolutely—simply use spicy Ro-Tel or toss in a little extra chili powder, cayenne, or even chopped jalapeños to bring some more heat to the party.

Do I need to cook the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe calls for cooked chicken. Grab a rotisserie chicken, use leftovers, or quickly poach some breasts or thighs, then chop them up for the casserole.

Can I assemble Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the casserole filling and slice your tortillas the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then layer and start cooking when you’re ready.

Why does my casserole sometimes come out watery?

A watery texture can happen if there’s extra moisture in your chicken or veggies. Drain your Ro-Tel well and pat your chicken dry before mixing, and let the casserole cook with the lid off at the end as instructed for a nice, set texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a true comfort classic that practically makes itself, Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken needs a spot on your table. It’s a celebration of flavor, warmth, and ease—all in one cheesy, irresistible casserole. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both busy nights and gatherings alike!