King Ranch Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comfort-Food Classic

This lighter King Ranch Casserole is everything you love about the Tex-Mex favorite—layers of tender chicken, melty cheese, and zesty tomatoes wrapped in a creamy, savory sauce—all in one bubbling, golden-baked dish. With a few smart swaps, this version keeps all the bold flavors while trimming down the heaviness. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or bringing to a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tex-Mex Flavor Punch – Packed with southwest spices, peppers, and tomatoes.
Cheesy & Comforting – Melted cheese and a creamy filling make each bite cozy.
Protein-Packed – Uses lean chicken breast for a satisfying, hearty meal.
Great for Make-Ahead – Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• 6 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, chicken, diced tomatoes, soup, Greek yogurt, and spices. Stir until well blended.

4. Layer the Casserole
Place a layer of tortilla pieces on the bottom of the dish. Add half of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with a bit of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.

5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 25g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

Don’t Overdo the Cheese – A little goes a long way when it’s baked throughout.
Use Leftover Chicken – This dish is a great way to repurpose cooked chicken.
Add Heat if You Like – A pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños adds a spicy kick.
Freezer-Friendly – Freeze before baking for an easy future meal.

Why This Recipe Works

By using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and lightening up the soup and cheese, this casserole keeps its creamy, indulgent texture without being overly rich. It’s packed with flavor, full of protein, and totally satisfying—proof that comfort food can be both delicious and balanced.

This King Ranch Casserole hits every note of classic comfort while being smartly portioned and lighter on the waistline. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, it’s a go-to dish for cozy nights, potlucks, or make-ahead dinners that everyone will love.