What have I missed most since developing a milk allergy over 25 years ago? At the top of the list are cheesy, creamy chicken casseroles. I satisfied that craving with this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole — a tasty remake of classic King Ranch Chicken that your family will enjoy.
A Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole Remake of Classic King Ranch Chicken
I didn’t know about King Ranch Chicken until I moved to Texas. A friend used to bring leftovers to work, and the aroma — plus how much she enjoyed it — prompted me to create a dairy-free version. This casserole quickly became a comfort-food staple in our home and a hit with friends and neighbors.
Featured feedback from a reader who has made this recipe
“I made this for my dairy-free mom and it is better than any full dairy King Ranch Chicken I have ever had or made. Thanks for perfecting it!“
What You Will Love About This Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole
- Creamy: Comforting, rich texture without dairy.
- Family- and potluck-friendly: Ideal for gatherings or to bring to someone in need. I’ve made it for neighbors, potlucks and family dinners — everyone liked it.
- Allergy-friendly: This casserole is gluten-free and dairy-free, yet still tastes indulgent. People who can eat dairy or gluten enjoy it just as much.
Ingredients for this Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Comfort Food
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10–12 corn tortillas (gluten-free; use flour tortillas only if gluten isn’t a concern)
- 1 10-oz can Ro-Tel tomatoes & chiles (original)
- Spices: garlic, onion, jalapeño, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper
- Dairy-free cheddar shreds
- Optional garnishes: cilantro, avocado, lime
Homemade “Cheese” Sauce
- 1 cup organic, gluten-free chicken broth (confirm it’s dairy- and gluten-free)
- 1 cup plain plant-based milk (unsweetened almond works well)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups dairy-free cheddar shreds
- 2 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Note: If dairy is acceptable, you can substitute regular milk and cheese where the recipe specifies dairy-free alternatives.
Make This Dairy-Free Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Poach the chicken in simmering water until cooked through (about 15–30 minutes, depending on thickness). Remove and shred.
- While the chicken cooks, preheat oven to 375°F and complete the next steps.
- Step 2: Chop the onion, jalapeño and garlic, then sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until softened.
- Step 3: Add the Ro-Tel and spices, stir to combine, then set aside.
- Step 4: Make the “cheese” sauce: warm the chicken broth and plant milk over medium-high heat, whisk in the corn starch until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat, stir in the dairy-free shreds and salt until melted, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Add shredded chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour in the sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Step 6: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking oil. Arrange one layer of tortillas on the bottom and bake 4–5 minutes to slightly crisp them (tear tortillas in half as needed).
- Steps 7–9: Layer half the chicken mixture over the first tortilla layer, add another layer of tortillas, then spread the remaining chicken mixture on top.
- Step 10: Sprinkle 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds over the casserole.
- Step 11: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Slice, garnish with lime, cilantro or avocado if desired, and serve.
FAQs
Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Use about 4 cups shredded cooked chicken to replace the 2 pounds of boiled chicken breasts.
Can I use store-bought queso sauce?
Yes. Pre-made sauces are often thicker, so thin with a little plant milk if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I meal prep this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken, vegetables and sauce ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. I recommend assembling and baking the casserole the day you plan to serve it for best texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Assemble and cool completely, then freeze in a freezer- and oven-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Looking for More Dairy-Free Comfort Food Recipes?
- Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie
- Easy Potato Corn Chowder
- Red Thai Curry Gnocchi
- Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups
- Chicken Curry Pasta
- Instant Pot Rosemary Chicken and Vegetables
If you tried this King Ranch Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole or another recipe from this blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and share how it went in the comments below!
Dairy-Free Gluten-Free King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Kelly Kirkendoll
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Whisk
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Medium pot
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9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 1 10 oz. can Ro-Tel tomatoes & chiles (original)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 Tbsp chopped jalapeño
- 2 tsp chili powder (ancho works well)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup dairy-free cheddar shreds (you’ll need 2 cups total)
- salt and pepper to taste
“Cheese” Sauce
- 1 cup organic, gluten-free chicken broth
- 1 cup plain plant-based milk (unsweetened almond)
- 1 cup dairy-free cheddar shreds
- 2 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Poach the chicken in simmering water until cooked through (about 15–30 minutes).
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Chop vegetables and mince garlic; sauté in olive oil in a large pan.
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Add spices and Ro-Tel, mix and set aside.
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Make the cheese sauce: heat broth and plant milk, whisk in corn starch until thickened, reduce heat and stir in cheese shreds and salt until melted.
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray.
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Place one layer of tortillas on the bottom and heat 4–5 minutes to slightly crisp them.
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Cool the poached chicken briefly, shred it, and add to the pan with vegetables.
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Add the sauce to the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine.
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Spread half the mixture over the first tortilla layer.
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Add another layer of tortillas.
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Top with the remaining chicken mixture.
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Sprinkle 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds on top.
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Bake 20 minutes at 375°F. Cut, garnish and enjoy.
Notes
No dairy restrictions? Substitute regular milk and cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 9g