Instant Pot King Ranch Chicken—this cheesy and creamy chicken casserole with tortillas and Rotel has its roots in Texas but that doesn’t mean us non-Texans can’t enjoy it too! Whip up my version in just a few minutes using your Instant Pot and NO cream of soups!
Get the SLOW COOKER King Ranch Chicken recipe here
Instant Pot King Ranch Chicken
Each week in 2020 I’m sharing a recipe inspired by one of the 50 states. So far I’ve covered…
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Utah
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Hawaii
- South Carolina
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Alaska
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- South Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Georgia
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Nebraska
- Ohio
See all the state recipes in one place.
Today’s recipe is inspired by the Lone Star State, Texas. Texas is the second largest state by area in the United States and it is the largest of the contiguous 48 states. They say, “everything’s bigger in Texas.”
Last week I talked about Ohio and how my husband, Greg, lived there for 10 years growing up. The second state of his youth was Texas where he also lived for 10 years. He loved his time in the Dallas area.
When I think about Texas I think about the Dallas Cowboys, hot weather, “the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas”, super nice people, barbecue, Tex-Mex and the Alamo.
I could have chosen a number of different recipes to represent Texas. Mainly barbecue or chili or anything Tex-Mex. I didn’t think I could do those justice. I get a feeling that my Instant Pot brisket and my Instant Pot chili might not make the Texan cut. I’m pretty sure Texans take those two food super seriously.
So instead I chose to go for a casserole called King Ranch Chicken. From what I’ve read King Ranch Chicken is one of those casseroles that is at every potluck in Texas. I’m not sure about that but what I do know is that my version is super yummy and has no cream of soups and makes an excellent weeknight dinner. My version has Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), corn tortillas, a few spices, chicken and lots of cheese.
The corn tortillas are added in right at the end so they don’t get mushy. Usually I’m not a fan of corn tortillas but for this recipe they are a must. If you use flour tortillas they get gummy. Plus if you’re serving someone who needs to eat gluten free the corn tortillas make that easy.
This casserole sure tastes good. And the leftovers taste great too. Try out this Instant Pot King Ranch Chicken this week!
More Instant Pot Recipes…
Instant Pot Creamy Salsa Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Instant Pot King Ranch Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy and creamy chicken casserole with tortillas and Rotel has its roots in Texas but that doesn’t mean us non-Texans can’t enjoy it too! Whip up my version in just a few minutes using your Instant Pot and NO cream of soups!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10 oz) can rotel (I used mild)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 11 (6 inch) soft corn tortillas, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream, for topping
- Sliced avocados, for topping
Instructions
- Add broth, onions and chicken into the Instant Pot. Dump the rotel on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano and salt over the chicken.
- Cover the Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 12 minutes for small chicken breasts, 15 minutes for large chicken breasts (if frozen add 3 minutes to each of the times). When the time is up let the pot sit for 5 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid.
- Place chicken on a cutting board. Shred or dice into pieces. Add the chicken back into the Instant Pot. Add the bell pepper into the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting. In a bowl stir together the half and half and the cornstarch together until smooth. Stir the mixture into the Instant Pot. It should thicken up shortly.
- Add in the tortillas and the cheese. Stir. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Scoop onto serving dishes and top with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream and avocados.
Notes
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*.
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Found this in a folder on my phone when I put the shopping list together. It’s been over 100F for two weeks but the family has to eat. This was so perfect! It came together so quickly and all my boys are having seconds!
★★★★★
Awesome! And good on you to cook. I know it’s such a bummer in the summer. I’m ready for fall I think!
Just did this for dinner tonight; I was a little on the fence even when I was dishing it up for myself, but all doubts were gone once I tasted it! I made it to spread across multiple meals, so I omitted the tortillas and added some extra cornstarch, topped it off with sour cream and guacamole, and scooped it up with tortilla chips. I’ll definitely be making this one again!
★★★★★
So glad you liked it!!
While my wife was visiting her mother, I made this recipe for my daughter, her husband, and 4 children (including twin 4-year old boys). I replaced the half and half with a 13.5 ounce can of Coconut Milk due to my daughter’s dietary concerns. To make it fun for the kids, I had them smash 5-6 jalapeno-lime flavored tortilla chips in a sandwich sized zip lock bag. They then poured the crumbles over their “soup”. The verdict was 100% positive and I was asked to put this meal in our rotation to have again. A BIG WINNER with picky kids trying a new meal. Two thumbs up from all four kids! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
★★★★★
Oh that’s awesome! I’m so glad to hear it. Thanks Dan.
Can I use fat free half and half? Just to lighten it up a bit 🙂
Sure!
I have made at least a dozen of your recipes and they’ve all been good and several have been excellent. I have always sprayed the inner pot with “PAM” and have no trouble with scraping the cooked on bits off the bottom of the pan–so no burn message.
Good tip! Thanks!
My husband isn’t much for casseroles, so was thinking of leaving out the corn tortillas and putting the dish on TOP of tortilla chips with all the extras as Nachos. But will the sauce be too thin?
It might be but you could thicken with cornstarch if you’d like.
I’ve made this twice now and both times it never thickens. I followed the recipe to a T. What can I be doing wrong??
★★★★
I would add 1-2 Tbsp more of cornstarch. that will help a lot!
Very easy to make and very tasty! I crumbled some lime flavored tortilla chips on top to give it some texture and added flavor. The leftovers held up well too.
★★★★★
Oh I really love those lime tortilla chips. I’ll have to try that next time I make this!
This might be dinner tonight. We try to do lower sodium, so I will use my no salt added ro-tel, and might reduce the salt to 1/2 tsp. Squeeze in fresh lime juice at the end to help boost that flavor. And I don’t have corn tortillas, don’t feel like running to the store . . . think I’ll make tex-mex corn bread to serve instead. May substitute some cotija cheese for some of the cheddar.
I know that’s a lot of changes, but in the spirit of your original recipe . . . a can of no salt added black beans might be good, too! Thank you for sharing!
Sounds great! Hope you like it!
does this recipe freeze well? there’s only two of us
I’m nervous about the corn tortillas freezing well. I don’t think they will!
This was easy and very good. I used frozen chicken breasts, so I added 3 minutes to both the cooking and pressure release phases – thanks so much for adding that modification to the directions!
★★★★★
Glad it worked well for you Lauren!!
Made this for supper tonight and it was so easy and so good! Son and I each ate 2 bowls of it. Topped mine with sour cream and diced avocado. Only changes I would make is up the Rotel to it’s next heat level, we both thought it needed just a little kick and maybe one less tortilla. The tortillas really soak up the liquid like pasta does. This recipe is a keeper for sure.
P.S. I noticed in your ingredient list it says 1 cup diced onion but when you look at your picture aids it says 1/2 cup diced onion. <3
★★★★★
Glad you both liked it! I will correct that typo.
I`m from TX., and this is a little different than we make it.
i’m anxious to try this version in my Instant Pot, and would tonight if I had Rotel. I will be anxious to see your TX recipes. Please excuse the messy comment, but my cat is lying halfway on my keyboard, lol.
Lol Linda! 😺
I made this tonight for my husband and I! I will be making this again. I only had flour shells but it’s still good!
★★★★★
Yay! Glad to hear the flour worked out okay for you!
I’m from Texas, though I don’t live there now, and for years I intended to make King Ranch chicken but never did. When I saw this I decided now is the time. I’m so glad I made it–it was delicious! I’ve printed it and will be keeping it, thank you!
★★★★★
How funny! Well now you are a true Texan.
I’m not from Texas (but got here as soon as I could … and have lived here more than half my life now) but I too have intended to make King Ranch chicken for years! Recently my husband bought some pre-made from HEB and I that pushed me over the edge! I knew I could do better and this recipe was a huge hit!
★★★★★
Yay! So glad you liked it Debbie.
Excellent flavor! But for left overs, I nuked it for a minute or so, then topped with cheddar and broiled it. The leftovers were amazing.
I love the leftovers on this one too Ray!
Great dinner – my husband is now trying to turn this into a dip!!! If you have a 1.5 lb chicken breast (what a big bird!!!) quarter the breast and follow the 12 minute cook time. Thank you, Karen!!!
★★★★★
Dip sounds like a great plan to me!
I made this recipe today. I don’t have an instant pot, but I have a Cuisinart electric pressure cooker. It came out fantastic and easy receive to follow. Lots of great flavors. Definitely a keeper.
★★★★★
Awesome Diana! Do you like your cuisinart?
I haven’t tried this recipe yet, I just wanted to know where is Oregon on your list on this page.
Hi Edward, I haven’t done Oregon yet! Do you have any great ideas?
This was delicious! I loved every bite! For inquiring minds that are not familiar with Rotel, you can buy various degrees of tomato/chilies heat…mild, original, and hot! If you don’t like spicy, go for the mild! Original is hotter, and Hot is way too hot for me!
★★★★★
Thank you Pat! Good info! I always buy mild rotel since I don’t like too much spice.
I grew up in Tx. I’ve made king ranch casserole so many times because it usually has TX pantry staples. While this casserole is not one that comes to mind when I think of TX, it would be hard to choose a recipe since every TX family has there favorites when it comes to meat, bbq, chili, salsa, or anything TX Mex.
This is actually a good choice because it has simple ingredients, easy to make and contains similar Tex Mex flavors. It’s also considered comfort food. I can’t wait to try this instant pot version since it’s getting too hot to turn on oven.
After craving king ranch chicken all day, I had to make it for dinner. It didn’t disappoint and good to know I can now make it in the IP instead of heating the whole house using the oven. I did have to make some minor changes due to ingredients on hand but it didn’t affect overall flavor. I did omit red pepper but was thinking next time adding a southwest frozen blend of corn and peppers. This casserole is a good base to add additional ingredients as well as more heat. As my husband went for a second bowl, he asked how it could be a TX recipe since no beef or heat. Lol I told him I’d add more heat next time and yes, Texans do eat chicken. Thank you so much for sharing recipe.
★★★★
Haha! Funny comment from your husband.
Thank you so much!!
My instant pot does not have s sauté what else can I use ?
Really? No saute? What brand is it?
I have lived in five states and loved the Cincy Chili! That , brings back great memories and now your choice for my adopted state of Texas for 15 yr Is perfect! I love King Ranch Chicken and can’t wait to make it in my instant pot. I look forward to the recipes for the other 3 states I have lived in.
★★★★★
Wow you have lived it a lot of places! How fun!
This looks so good! Are you using fresh chicken breasts or frozen chicken breasts? Thank you!
I used frozen.
Well that Works! Made it up tonight with Salsa and canned tomatoes instead of Ro-Tel, because thats what I had. I think I’ll try in on a bed of Tortilla chips sometime.
★★★★★
😊
Made this tonight with ground beef and beef broth – picky eater in the family 🙂 – and it was fantastic!
★★★★★
Yay! That’s always nice to hear 😊
Tried this for dinner tonight. It’s just the hubby and I and we both loved it. I didn’t have any Rotel so I used mild picante sauce. Next time gonna try the Rotel. I think it might add more zip. Regardless, we loved it.
Yum picante sounds awesome!
Great recipe! I made the following changes and we will definitely be having this for dinner again!
Decreased the cheese to 1 1/2 cups
Used fat free evaporated milk instead of half and half.
Loved it!
★★★★★
Thanks for sharing your changes and experience Cathy!
Can I double this recipe and do I change anything if I can double it?
Yes you can. Double the ingredients and keep the same cooking time. https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/how-to-double-instant-pot-recipes/
Can you use tortilla chips instead of corn tortilla?
I haven’t tried that myself but you could try it. I bet it would be tasty.
How much broth should I use for my 8 quart pot with this recipe?
I’d use a cup.
we eat low carb. How do you think this would be if we only used half the amount of corn tortillas?
It wouldn’t be quite as thick but it would still taste good!
There’s carb balance tortillas I get at Walmart. They’re fantastic!
Love it! Will make this again and again!
★★★★★
Nice Gail! So glad you liked it 🙂
Can you use flour instead of corn tortillas? My son HATES corn tortillas 🙁
I’m heard mixed things about using flour tortillas. You could try it and see. My guess is that it would be okay the first night and then the leftovers would be mushy.
I think, maybe heating the flour tortillas in a skillet on low without burning them and making them too dark will harden the flour tortillas some almost close to corn tortilla feeling like a crunchyness may not be that soggy if left its going to be leftovers or just add enough to your bowl at the time and not add anymore until the next day and mix it at the time of reheating. Just a couple of options I was just thinking about for those that don’t like corn tortillas. 😊 You know we have to figure things out for our picky kids. All 3of mine are picky and eat like birds.
Yes this is a great solution. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge Cassandra!
What about using nacho chips and adding just before you eat it?
Great idea!
How would I avoid the dreaded “burn ” message with 1/2 cup chicken broth and a can of rotel tomatoes ? I seem to head right for the “burn” message to the point where I am thinking the Instant Pot is nothing but a fancy slow cooker that you can saute’ in .
Both onions and chicken release a lot of liquid during pressure cooking.
I do not believe I have ever used the saute function with my newish (3 months) Instant Pot and not gotten the BURN notice. Regardless of the amount of scraping and deglazing done prior to bringing it up to pressure. Manufacturer seem to have upped the sensitivity of the darn things and many of us get caught. I have learned to NOT leave the kitchen until it comes up to pressure since it only appears when full pressure is attained. Once it hits and the manual pressure has allowed the cooker to be open, scraping with the silicone spoon then allows the second attempt to be successful. I do not believe even waving a chicken over the damn thing will help so I just allow myself the extra 7 minutes (waiting for the burn and then moving forward) or stating in a separate skillet and then adding everything (which is much easier if pot in pot is being used.
★★★★★
This is disheartening to read Steve! I’m so sorry you’ve had such problems with it. I wonder if we can pinpoint exactly which version is the one that is so sensitive. I have 2 luxes, 1 duo and a nova and have NEVER had the burn signal. Not because I didn’t deserve it. Just because of the model I’m pretty sure.
How long would you cook it using frozen thighs? Thanks!
I would do 18 minutes.
If I don’t have half and half what could I substitute?
do you have milk or heavy cream? you could use half milk and half cream.
you might try canned evaporated milk… I always have that on hand
Karen, wishing and praying for your husband. Modern medicine is amazingly wonderful. These things are often more traumatic on the family than on the patient.. Please take care of yourself, and keep us informed.
Thanks so much Edward!
Could flour be used in place of cornstarch? Or us cornstarch best?
You could try it without cornstarch and see how it does. The corn tortillas thicken things up pretty well.
If I were to do the flour and cream version for thickener, how much flour in the slurry? How much cream or is it the same as for cornstarch? Also, I don’t have heavy cream, just half and half – will that do?
Half and half will be fine. And for the slurry I would use the same amount as the cornstarch.
Liz
I don’t have an instant pot. Cani make in oven?
Sure! I would follow directions for a traditional king ranch chicken recipe. I would just google it.
Thanks for the recipe just one question- the soft corn tortillas just go in their cut without anything being done to them?
yes that’s correct.
Yum!!! Clean platers all around. I use and recommend your site religiously!! I’m not sure I’ve ever made anything I don’t enjoy 🙂 I have found that dicing chicken before cooking yields better results for me, I’m at high altitude so I have to adjust lots of cooking and baking recipes. We also served it over rice as we are a rice loving family. Thanks again for all the amazing recipes you put together!!!
★★★★★
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Very helpful!
can you tell me what rotel is we live in windsor ontario we have never heard of it thank you Sandy
It’s a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
yep 🙂
I live near Midland ON and my local Foodland carries Rotel. Hope yours does too!