King Ranch Chicken Dip
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Nov 21, 2024 
King Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe – A creamy, cheesy and rich dip version of classic Texan King Ranch Chicken Casserole that you can enjoy with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy fresh veggies for parties, game day, or any occasion!
Why We Love This Creamy King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic Tex Mex favorite named after the historic King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. It’s a recipe layered with tortillas, creamy sauce, cheese, chiles, and chicken, baked into a golden bubbly casserole.
It’s always such a hit at dinner I thought, hey, why not make a King Ranch Chicken Dip recipe to share at parties!
This simple creamy dip takes less time to prepare than the classic casserole and is just as enticing. It includes all the best components of the traditional king ranch casserole, minus the tortillas. Instead use, crispy tortilla chips to scoop it up at your next game day, potluck, or party!
Bonus: The fact that the tortillas are removed from the casserole in order to make it a scoopable dip, means this king ranch dip recipe happens to be low carb and ketogenic-friendly. So even friends that are on more restrictive diets can dig in to this delicious, cheesy and creamy dip.
Ingredients You Need
To make this amazing dip you only need seven well-selected ingredients! No cream cheese, no cream of chicken soup, just layers of a few of your favorite Tex-Mex pantry staples.
- Shredded chicken – This is a great way to use up leftovers in the fridge. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for the market.
- Shredded cheese – Select a Mexican blend of 3-4 cheeses that melt well. In a pinch you can use just shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sour cream – To provide a creamy base. Full fat is best.
- Tomatilla salsa verde – Use good jarred salsa or make this salsa from scratch.
- Chopped green chiles – Canned. Select mild or hot, based on your palate.
- Ranch dressing dip mix – A dip mix packet is a great way to add herbs and zesty seasoning in one simple ingredient. This mix has almost all of the spices you need to make the recipe, including salt.
- Ground cumin – For a touch of smoky flavor!
How To Make King Ranch Chicken Dip
You are going to love how simple this recipe is to make!
- Prep: Preheat the oven, get out a large bowl and round or square baking dish, and gather your ingredients. Spray the dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Dump: This is a true dump-and-bake recipe! Add all of the ingredients (minus a handful of cheese for the top) to the bowl.
- Stir: Mix the ingredients until they look smooth.
- Bake: Then pop the dip in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Get the Complete (Printable!) King Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Let the cheesy dip cool slightly before topping with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
This dip was made for scoopin’ up with raw veggies and crispy corn tortillas chips! You can’t go wrong with crunchy baby carrots or sliced carrots, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, or any fresh vegetables you like.
Want to keep this keto dish on the “lighter” side? Consider using low carb scoopers like baked veggie chips, low carb cauliflower crackers, or keto crackers instead of tortilla chips.
You can even make “tortilla chips” out of baked shredded cheese and almond flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our chicken dip recipe is naturally gluten free! Just be sure to double-check the ingredients list for your shredded cheese and ranch dressing packet, as some brands use gluten-based preservatives.
Also, most tortilla chips are made with 100% ground corn, meaning they as well are gluten free and can be enjoyed for dipping. But again, be sure to check the packaging!
Yes! This recipe is perfect for making a few days ahead of your festivities.
After initially cooking, allow to cool completely before covering with plastic wrap and storing in the fridge. Then simply reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
The dip will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container (or well wrapped in plastic wrap).
Because of the dairy, I would not recommend trying to store this dip in the freezer.
Looking For More Zesty Party Dip Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- 3-Ingredient Beer Cheese Dip
- Fire Roasted Corn Dip
- Queso Recipe
- Hot Smoked Pimento Cheese
- Skinny Chicken Enchilada Dip
- Creamy Sausage Cheese Dip
- 3-Ingredient Magic Taco Dip
- Check Out ALL Our Dips & Spreads!
Get the Complete (Printable!) King Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe Below. Enjoy!
King Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (use up leftovers)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cups sour cream
- 16 ounce tomatillo salsa verde
- 4 ounce chopped green chiles
- 1 packet ranch dressing dip mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Chopped scallions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out a 2 quart baking dish and a large mixing bowl.
- Measure and dump all the ingredients into the bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cheese for later. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly around the edges. Sprinkle the top with chopped scallions or cilantro and serve with tortilla chips, or fresh chopped vegetables for a low carb option!
My neighbor made it as a dip YUMMY!!!
Great flavors going on in this dip! Everyone loved it!
Oh man- this was such a hit when I made it for a party recently! I didn’t have any leftover. I love the use of cumin- it really adds the best flavor!
This was absolutely amazing!! Everyone at my house loved it!
This dip is so creamy!!
My mom used to make King Ranch chicken so I knew I would love your dip! It’s delicious!
This looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make this.