Top-Notch King Ranch Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Nestled in the heart of Texas, king ranch chicken became a culinary legend that sparks excitement among comfort food enthusiasts.

Southwestern ranchers crafted this hearty casserole decades ago with simple, robust ingredients.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy tortillas create a mouthwatering masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations of home cooks have passed down this treasured dish, each adding their unique twist.

Southwestern spices and rich cheeses meld together, promising a delectable experience that transports you straight to ranch country.

Crisp tortilla edges and bubbling cheese beckon you to dive fork-first into this irresistible meal.

Prepare to fall in love with a classic that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary celebration.

King Ranch Chicken Essentials

• Cooked Chicken: Tender, shredded chicken as the hearty base of the casserole, best using rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for extra flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich, creamy sauces that bind ingredients and add depth, choose low-sodium versions for better control of salt content.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor, helps create a smooth sauce consistency.

• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides zesty tang and mild heat, offers built-in seasoning and moisture.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and aromatic base, chop finely for even distribution.

• Chili Powder, Cumin: Classic Tex-Mex spices that deliver warm, smoky undertones, essential for authentic southwestern taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates golden, crispy top layer, sharp varieties provide more robust flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican-style base that absorbs sauce and provides texture, cut into quarters for easier layering.

• Butter or Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds richness, can use either depending on preference.

King Ranch Chicken Prep Walkthrough

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and let it heat up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Sauce

• Rotel tomatoes
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

• Tortillas
• Cooked chicken
• Sautéed vegetables
• Sauce mixture
• Shredded cheese

Cover the bottom of the dish with half of these ingredients.

Step 5: Add Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, making sure to end with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

King Ranch Chicken Cooked With Pro Style

• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and added depth.
• Shred rotisserie chicken or use leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to make the dish mild or spicier according to personal taste preferences.
• Substitute corn tortillas and use gluten-free cream soups to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Add diced green chiles or swap bell peppers with jalapeños for a more complex and vibrant vegetable component.

Keeping King Ranch Chicken Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

What to Serve With King Ranch Chicken

• Boost Tex-Mex Magic Pairings
• Quench Southwestern Flavors with Ice-Cold Mexican Lager: A crisp, light beer like Modelo Especial cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, refreshing your palate with each spicy bite.
• Complement Cheesy Layers with Zesty Citrus Salad: Prepare a bright cilantro-lime salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken dish's intense flavors.
• Cool Down Spicy Casserole with Creamy Avocado Crema: Whip up a quick side of smooth avocado cream sauce featuring sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lime juice to add a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Enhance Comfort Food with Bold Red Sangria: Mix a fruity red sangria packed with orange slices and a touch of cinnamon to echo the dish's Southwestern spirit while providing a festive, refreshing drink.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe Refreshes

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas and use gluten-free cream soups to make the entire dish celiac-safe.
• Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular broth with low-sodium chicken broth, use reduced-sodium soups, and limit added salt to decrease overall sodium content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted cauliflower, or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the original flavor profile intact.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, include green chilies, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra kick of heat and authentic southwestern flavor.

FAQs

• Where did King Ranch Chicken originate?

The dish is named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, though it wasn’t actually created by the ranch. It’s a classic Tex-Mex casserole that became popular in the mid-20th century as a way to use leftover chicken and create a hearty meal.

• Is this recipe considered authentic Tex-Mex?

While inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, this is more of an American home-style adaptation. Traditional King Ranch Chicken uses similar ingredients but can vary between family recipes, making each version slightly unique.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance for family dinners or potlucks.

• What kind of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the most authentic flavor. Flour tortillas can work too, but they’ll create a slightly different texture in the finished dish.

What Keeps King Ranch Chicken Recipe So Loved

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that satisfies hungry family members in less than an hour, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine simple ingredients with basic cooking techniques, requiring only 15-20 minutes of hands-on preparation time and minimal culinary skills.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a rich, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired dish that brings warmth and nostalgic flavors to the dinner table, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty King Ranch Chicken casserole delivers a Texas-sized comfort meal that blends spicy Southwestern flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Crisp tortillas, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a satisfying dinner sure to become a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 oz / 284 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set the oven temperature to 350°F for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Create a flavor base by gently sweating onions and bell peppers in melted butter until they become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Construct the first foundational layer by arranging tortillas across the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Distribute half of the shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla base, creating a protein-rich stratum.
6. Scatter the sautéed vegetable mixture across the chicken layer, providing textural complexity and depth of flavor.
7. Generously pour half of the prepared sauce over the vegetable and chicken layer, ensuring comprehensive moisture distribution.
8. Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded cheese to create a preliminary melty layer.
9. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, starting with tortillas and concluding with a generous cheese topping.
10. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Remove from the oven and permit the dish to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin according to personal heat preferences.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition.
• Swap rotisserie chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save preparation time and enhance flavor complexity.
• Substitute low-fat cream soups and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg