This King Ranch chicken casserole is full of juicy shredded chicken, corn tortillas, peppers, and melted cheese. It’s creamy and cheesy. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknights and potlucks!.
King Ranch Chicken is a cheesy, creamy casserole that originated in Texas. With its savory flavor and easy preparation it has become a favorite comfort food across the United States. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
A Brief History of King Ranch Chicken
While its exact origins are unclear, King Ranch Chicken is thought to have been created sometime in the 1950s or 1960s in Texas. Some attribute its creation to the famous King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. However, the ranch itself does not claim to have invented the dish.
Another theory is that it was inspired by chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican casserole made with fried tortilla chips salsa cheese, and protein. The name “King Ranch” may have simply come from the ranch’s fame and status as the largest ranch in America at the time.
No matter where it came from, the dish became very popular very quickly in Texas and the rest of the southern US. It continues to be a cherished casserole recipe today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s easy to make King Ranch Chicken at home because the list of ingredients is short. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or roast your own. Shred or chop into bite-size pieces.
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Onion & bell peppers – Dice 1 yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper.
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Jalapeño pepper (optional) – Seed and mince 1 jalapeño for a kick of heat.
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Spices – You’ll need chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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One can of cream of chicken soup and one can of cream of mushroom soup make up the sauce.
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Diced tomatoes – Use a 10oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, like Rotel brand.
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Chicken broth – Use 1/2 cup to thin out the sauce.
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Tortillas – Cut corn or flour tortillas into 1-inch squares.
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Cheese – Use a mix of shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack.
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Cooking oil – For sautéing the veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to put together this hearty casserole:
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Make the sauce
Add the sautéed veggies to a large bowl. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, spices, and shredded chicken.
3. Assemble the casserole
Spread a thin layer of the sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish. Add a layer of torn tortilla pieces, followed by a layer of the chicken mixture. Top with a layer of shredded cheese.
Repeat the layering one more time.
4. Bake the casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Rest and serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Tips for Perfect King Ranch Chicken
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For extra flavor, use monterey jack cheese or pepper jack cheese.
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Add diced green chiles and hot sauce if you want an extra kick.
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This casserole can be put together up to two days ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
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Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions before serving.
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Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With its hearty flavors and creamy texture, King Ranch Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite. The preparation is easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough for potlucks and parties. Try this iconic Texas casserole soon!
Tips and Variation Ideas
Here are some final tips to make the most of your King Ranch chicken, plus some easy variation ideas.
- Different veggies. Make this casserole with broccoli, sweet corn, or spicy jalapeños. It would also taste great with black beans, pinto beans, or chipotle in adobo.
- Add a can of Rotel. Add a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies to make it more like the original King Ranch chicken casserole. You can use hot or mild.
- Assemble in two casserole dishes. You can make this casserole in two 8×8″ (or 9×9″) baking dishes instead of a 9×13″ casserole dish. Bake one now and freeze the other one for later! Easy steps for making it ahead of time are below.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead?
Absolutely. Unbaked King Ranch chicken is great to freeze and reheat for last-minute dinners down the road. Prepare the casserole as directed, and then cover it with plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. To bake the casserole from frozen, take off the plastic wrap and cover it with foil. Bake at 350ºF for an hour.
Food Wishes Recipes – King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe – How to Make King Ranch Chicken
FAQ
Why is it called King Ranch chicken?
Named after the famous King Ranch in south Texas, the casserole is layered with cooked chicken, corn tortillas, cheese, and, typically, canned cream of ….
How to make a chicken a la king?
Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add drained mushrooms and bell pepper and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in milk, water, bouillon, and reserved mushroom liquid. Stir in chicken and pimento and heat through. Serve and enjoy!.
Can I put ranch seasoning on chicken?
Yes, ranch seasoning is a great way to flavor chicken.
Can you make king ranch chicken ahead of time?
Yes, King Ranch Chicken casserole can absolutely be made ahead of time. It’s a great make-ahead dish and can be assembled a day or two in advance. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
How do you make King Ranch chicken flavorful & authentic?
Here are some tips for making flavorful and authentic King Ranch Chicken: Making your chicken broth from scratch can add much flavor to your King Ranch Chicken. Simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and seasonings in water for several hours to make a flavorful broth. Chicken and poultry, in general, are one of the most common foods consumed in Texas.
Is King Ranch chicken a cheesy Tex-Mex recipe?
If you’re a fan of cheesy Tex-Mex recipes, let me tell you about the king of them all: King Ranch chicken. This casserole is a Texas classic, but these days, its deliciousness has spread far beyond the Lone Star State.
Can I make a King Ranch chicken casserole the day of?
Yes you can make this the day of and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours until it’s ready to bake. You can also freeze it and reheat when you are ready to serve! Here are more Easy Casserole Recipes to make! King Ranch Chicken casserole layered with corn tortillas, Mexican cheese, sour cream and shredded chicken.
Is King Ranch chicken Tex-Mex?
Every Tex-Mex fan loves this King Ranch Chicken Recipe! It’s a hearty and comforting casserole made with corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and a creamy sauce. Melty cheddar cheese melts on top. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is King Ranch chicken?
Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country can be found on the King Ranch, which is spread out over 825,000 acres in South Texas. So every time you eat King Ranch chicken, you get a tasty meal and a piece of Texas history. The exact origin of King Ranch Chicken needs to be clarified.
What can I add to King Ranch chicken?
Using tortilla chips will add some texture to your King Ranch Chicken! Veggie additions: canned or frozen corn and some drained, rinsed black beans would be great additions. For extra spice, consider adding some chopped poblano peppers or jalapeno peppers, or even chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.