If you’re looking for the best casserole recipes healthy enough to please the whole family, you’ve found it! This Healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that even my son, Jake, can’t resist. It’s hearty, delicious, and makes for a quick dinner idea using rotisserie chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
- You can whip it up in no time with leftover chicken.
- It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Pure Comfort
This casserole is pure comfort food. With creamy layers and a hint of spice, it warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded – Use any leftover chicken or store-bought for convenience.
- 1 can 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – You can substitute with a low-fat version or homemade.
- 1 cup 1 cup salsa – Choose your favorite heat level.
- 1 cup 1 cup frozen corn – Fresh corn can be used in season.
- 1 cup 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed – Canned beans work great for quick prep.
- 8 oz 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to use a dairy-free cheese.
- 1 cup 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed – Use whole grain chips for a healthier option.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp chili powder – Adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Season according to your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, prepare up to 24 hours in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures a nice, even bake for your casserole. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, salsa, corn, black beans, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You want it to be nice and even so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the chicken mixture. This will give your casserole a delightful crunch and texture.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey topping that everyone will love.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it smells amazing and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and make it easier to scoop out.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the mix.
- If you want a creamier texture, mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- This casserole is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions for easy lunches.
Mix It Up
- Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or cooked ground beef.
- Make it vegetarian by using black beans and adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- For a spicy kick, use spicy salsa or add diced jalapeños.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch.
- Pair with cornbread for a classic comfort meal.
- Enjoy with a dollop of guacamole or sour cream.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover tightly and it will last for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can use a homemade version or a low-fat cream soup alternative.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild spice from the salsa, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Conclusion
This Healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is not just one of the best casserole recipes healthy for your family, but it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, satisfying dinner. With its layers of flavor and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try, and watch your family ask for seconds!
Healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb lbs rotisserie chicken, shredded Use any leftover chicken or store-bought for convenience.
- 1 can oz cream of chicken soup You can substitute with a low-fat version or homemade.
- 1 cup salsa Choose your favorite heat level.
- 1 cup frozen corn Fresh corn can be used in season.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Canned beans work great for quick prep.
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use a dairy-free cheese.
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed Use whole grain chips for a healthier option.
- 1 tsp chili powder Adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to your preference.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures a nice, even bake for your casserole. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, salsa, corn, black beans, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You want it to be nice and even so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the chicken mixture. This will give your casserole a delightful crunch and texture.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey topping that everyone will love.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it smells amazing and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and make it easier to scoop out.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!