King Ranch Chicken Recipe

King Ranch Chicken is a classic Tex-Mex casserole that’s beloved for its creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. This comforting dish features layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks, this King Ranch Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. Read on for the step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving tips!

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What is King Ranch Chicken?

Named after the famous King Ranch in Texas (although it’s unclear if the dish originated there), King Ranch Chicken is a creamy chicken casserole loaded with Tex-Mex flavors. The dish typically consists of layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, a creamy sauce made from canned soups, tomatoes, green chilies, and cheese. It’s like a Tex-Mex version of lasagna, and every bite is loaded with comforting flavors.

Ingredients List for King Ranch Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic King Ranch Chicken casserole that serves 6-8 people:

• 2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2-3 chicken breasts or use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 10-12 small corn tortillas (you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are traditional)
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing vegetables)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for Additional Variations

Here are some variations and optional ingredients you can add to customize your King Ranch Chicken casserole:

• For extra heat: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Healthier version: Use low-fat soups and cheese or substitute with Greek yogurt or a homemade sauce.
• Creamy version: Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer casserole.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with black beans and corn or a plant-based chicken alternative.
• Different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for added flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This King Ranch Chicken Recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on what you have available or your preferences:

1. Shredded Chicken Substitutes: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or quickly cook and shred chicken breasts. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
2. Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. For a gluten-free option, stick with corn tortillas.
3. Cheese Options: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added heat.
4. Canned Soups: If you’d prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade sauce by combining ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with a cup of chicken broth and seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook King Ranch Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to make your delicious King Ranch Chicken casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the can of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid). If the mixture seems too thick, stir in ½ cup of chicken broth to thin it out slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sautéed vegetables.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. First Layer: Tear 4-5 corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2. Second Layer: Spread half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas.
3. Third Layer: Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and spread it evenly.
4. Fourth Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
5. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of torn tortillas, the remaining chicken, the rest of the sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this King Ranch Chicken recipe is easy to make, here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Not softening the tortillas: Tear the tortillas into bite-sized pieces, and don’t skip layering them between the chicken and sauce. This helps prevent the tortillas from becoming too soggy as the casserole bakes.
2. Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the casserole, or the cheese might become too brown and the chicken may dry out. Bake just until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Too much liquid: If your sauce mixture is too thin, the casserole can become watery. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from your Ro-Tel tomatoes if needed, or use less broth if the mixture seems too liquidy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Though King Ranch Chicken is a comforting, casual dish, you can still dress it up with a few simple touches:

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken

1. Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style dinner. Let everyone help themselves to a generous portion.
2. Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, scoop the casserole into individual plates or bowls, and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a few sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Presentation Ideas for King Ranch Chicken

• Fresh Garnishes: Brighten up the casserole by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty touch.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad with avocado and lime for a complete meal.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling the layers and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
2. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and bake in two 9x13-inch dishes. This is perfect for potlucks, parties, or large family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but keep in mind that they will have a softer texture compared to corn tortillas. Corn tortillas give a slightly firmer, more traditional bite.

Can I make this casserole without canned soups?

Yes, you can replace the canned soups with a homemade sauce. Try using 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with 1 cup of chicken broth and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the shredded chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based chicken substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture.

Conclusion

This King Ranch Chicken Recipe is a flavorful, comforting casserole that’s perfect for feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or serving at a gathering. With layers of creamy sauce, shredded chicken, tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and customize. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some of the variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

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