Healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
A healthy and flavorful King Ranch Chicken Casserole made with shredded rotisserie chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt base, layered with extra thin corn tortillas and cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This comforting American classic is lighter than the traditional version but still packed with delicious Tex-Mex spices.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium White Onion, diced
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced
- 5 oz White Mushrooms, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp (16g) Olive Oil
- 12 oz Shredded Rotisserie Chicken, or any cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 C (227g) Fat Free Greek Yogurt
- 10 oz can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (such as RO-TEL)
- 12 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas (such as Mission)
- 1 1/4 C (140g) Freshly Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, chopped mushrooms, and diced bell pepper. Cook these vegetables until they begin to soften, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes and green chilies. Use a spatula to deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits off the bottom to incorporate flavor.
- Add Spices and Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Next, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and fat-free Greek yogurt to the skillet. Fold everything together evenly and remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a large baking dish, lay 6 corn tortillas to cover the bottom. Spread half of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add another layer of 6 tortillas, then the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally top with freshly chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy your healthier King Ranch Chicken Casserole!
Notes
- Each serving has approximately 5 Smart Points.
- Ingredient substitutions are possible such as using different types of cooked chicken or tortillas; see the original post for detailed suggestions.
- The casserole can be customized with additional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or green onions for added flavor.
- Using fat-free Greek yogurt keeps the dish creamy but lower in fat compared to sour cream.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Healthy Chicken Casserole, Baked Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex Casserole, Rotisserie Chicken Recipes, Low Fat Casserole, Greek Yogurt Recipes