The Cozy King Ranch Chicken Recipe That Warms Every Heart

Crafting the perfect King Ranch chicken recipe requires passion and a dash of culinary creativity.

Layers of tender chicken, robust spices, and creamy sauce promise a mouthwatering adventure.

Southwestern comfort food beckons with its rich, hearty appeal.

Cheesy and bold, this classic casserole delivers warmth in every single bite.

Families gather around the table, anticipating each delectable forkful.

Regional flavors dance across your palate, creating memories that linger long after the last morsel disappears.

Let this recipe become your new favorite dinner sensation.

King Ranch Chicken: Why It’s a Beloved Recipe

• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe super simple for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy, creamy goodness and bold southwestern flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike, this dish guarantees happy faces around the dinner table.
• Flexible Family Meal: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or using gluten-free tortillas, making it perfect for diverse family needs.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: One-pan meal that comes together quickly, reducing kitchen cleanup and providing a satisfying dinner solution for busy households.

Ingredients for King Ranch Chicken

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These creamy ingredients create a rich and smooth sauce that adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that provides a golden, gooey finish to the casserole.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers and add texture to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A zesty ingredient that brings a hint of heat and brightness to the sauce.
• Onion: A foundational vegetable that adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the base of the recipe.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the initial cooking process.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that provide a robust and complex flavor profile to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step King Ranch Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion Base

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in the diced onions and let them dance around until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin

Let these spices mingle and wake up for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Sour cream
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup

Mix everything until it’s smooth and well-blended.

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread out the first layer of torn tortillas across the bottom.

Step 6: Add the First Chicken Layer

Distribute half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas.

Pour half of the dreamy sauce on top and shower with a cup of cheese.

Step 7: Repeat the Delicious Layers

• Remaining tortillas
• Remaining chicken
• Remaining sauce
• Another generous sprinkle of cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving a breeze.

Dig in and enjoy your King Ranch Chicken masterpiece!

Tips for King Ranch Chicken

• Use corn or flour tortillas interchangeably based on your preference or dietary needs.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to manage heat level for sensitive palates or kids.
• Prepare entire casserole ahead, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.
• Substitute low-fat cream soups and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version of this classic dish.
• Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for quick alternative protein options.

Variations of King Ranch Chicken

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini slices to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a more intense, fiery southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas, gluten-free cream soups, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for King Ranch Chicken

• Festive Fiesta Plate: Pair this hearty casserole with fresh Mexican-style rice and black beans for a complete south-of-the-border dining experience.
• Cool and Creamy Companion: Top each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Green Crunch Accent: Sprinkle crisp shredded lettuce or diced green onions on top for added texture and a burst of freshness that cuts through the dish's richness.
• Side Salsa Splash: Serve with a zesty homemade salsa or store-bought pico de gallo to brighten up the plate and add a tangy complement to the cheesy chicken casserole.

Storage Guidelines for King Ranch Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep covered in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What are the origins of King Ranch Chicken?

The dish originated in Texas, inspired by the legendary King Ranch, the largest ranch in the United States. It combines Tex-Mex flavors with traditional casserole cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild level of spice from chili powder and green chilies. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference.

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work perfectly fine in this recipe. They’ll add a slightly different texture and authentic Mexican flavor to the casserole.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

Ensure you mix the sauces thoroughly and cover the dish with foil during initial baking. This helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken and tortillas from drying out.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken brings together Texan comfort food with creamy, zesty layers of tortillas, chicken, and cheese. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying southwestern casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)

Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet, stirring briefly to release their aromatic qualities.
4. Combine diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup into a smooth, uniform mixture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and create the first foundational layer using torn tortilla pieces, covering the bottom completely.
6. Distribute half of the shredded chicken evenly across the tortilla layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
7. Pour half of the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, allowing it to seep between the ingredients.
8. Sprinkle the first layer of cheese generously across the sauce, creating a melty barrier.
9. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese to build a robust casserole.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder for mild or extra-hot preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comfort dish.
• Swap traditional tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or zucchini wraps for a gluten-free or keto-friendly version.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces kitchen prep time.
• Elevate leftovers by adding fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for enhanced texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg