King Ranch Chicken Casserole
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that king ranch chicken casserole that just warms you from the inside out? This tex mex casserole is my go-to for cheesy, creamy comfort. It has that perfect southwest kick!
Brief Overview
King ranch chicken , a Tex-Mex staple, is the ultimate comfort food recipe . Supposedly born on the King Ranch, this dish brings a little Southern charm to any table.
It is a pretty easy casserole recipe. Prep is about 25 minutes, bake time is 35, and the recipe yields 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This chicken casserole recipe is a nutritional powerhouse thanks to the chicken! It’s also an ideal meal for potlucks or any gathering where everyone needs a big hug of flavour.
What makes this rotel chicken casserole so special is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice to your liking, or use king ranch chicken without cream of mushroom !
King Ranch Chicken Casserole: Tex-Mex Comfort Food
This classic king ranch chicken casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavourful Tex-Mex delight. It's a layered chicken and tortilla casserole .
It has tender chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and plenty of cheese. It's a family favourite! It’s perfect for potlucks or a comforting weeknight meal.
Said to originate from the King Ranch in Texas, this dish embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality. So, let's dive in and make some magic!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this king ranch chicken casserole sing! This ain't just a chicken casserole recipe ; it's a hug in a dish.
It’s the best kind of comfort food recipe , hands down.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Tex-Mex Casserole Lineup
Okay, listen up, my friend. Here's the breakdown for our easy casserole recipe , including the secret tex mex casserole sauce.
Accuracy is key, so measure carefully, but remember, a little extra love never hurts!
For the Chicken:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. Should be about 1 cup . Yellow or white works best.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always better, you know?
- Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped. Each should be about 1 cup . Colour adds flavour!
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon . Go for a good quality one.
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon . This gives it that authentic southwest taste.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Only if you like a little kick.
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups , shredded (about 450g). Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Seasoning is crucial!
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly ground is ideal.
For that Creamy, Dreamy Sauce:
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can (305g). Don’t go for the low-fat stuff here.
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can (305g). Same deal as above.
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel): 1 (10 ounce) can (283g), undrained. This is key for that southwest chicken casserole flavor.
- Sour cream: 1 cup (225g). Full-fat is best for the creamiest result.
Assembly is the Game:
- Corn tortillas: 12 . Yellow or white, your choice.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups , shredded (about 225g). Sharp cheddar gives the best flavour!
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Here We Come!
The magic of this king ranch chicken really lives in the seasoning. The chili powder and cumin combo is essential.
Don’t skip it! For a little extra zip, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
If you don’t have Rotel, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a can of diced green chilies. Boom, problem solved.
Some prefer king ranch chicken without cream of mushroom , so consider using a homemade béchamel.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!
You really don’t need fancy equipment. It’s a recipe built for the everyday cook.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish.
- A mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large pot will work just fine. The baking dish is essential. If you don’t have one, a similar sized casserole dish will also work fine.
Listen. The key to any great creamy chicken casserole or chicken and tortilla casserole is good ingredients. I cannot stress this enough.
And there you have it! Everything you need to gather to create this King Ranch Chicken.
Let's Cook King Ranch Chicken Casserole: Tex-Mex Comfort Food
Alright, let's whip up some King Ranch Chicken . This is comfort food at its finest, a hug from your grandma after a long day.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, it's as iconic as chicken-fried steak! Seriously, it's a chicken casserole recipe everyone loves.
Honestly, I grew up eating this. It's the ultimate comfort food recipe for any occasion. Plus, it's an easy casserole recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Prep Like a Pro for King Ranch Chicken
Essential mise en place is key here. Chop your onion, bell peppers. Shred your chicken. Measure everything out before you start. Trust me, it makes life easier.
Time-saving tip : Buy pre-shredded cheese. It's worth the extra quid. And, honestly, cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for this chicken and tortilla casserole , cutting down on time.
Safety reminder : Be careful when chopping those veggies. You don't want to lose a finger!
From Zero to King Ranch Chicken Hero: The Step-by-Step
Right, let's get down to business!
- Sauté chopped onion and peppers in 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft. Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), and 1 cup sour cream. Mix well to make the creamy chicken casserole sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Spread a thin layer of sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 12 corn tortillas, followed by half the chicken mixture, then half the sauce, then cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and 2 cups cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30- 35 minutes . It should be bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavours meld.
Pro Tips for King Ranch Chicken
Honestly, don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing the veggies. Work in batches. It's better to ensure even cooking. Avoid using low-quality ingredients.
The better the cheddar cheese, the better the southwest chicken casserole will taste.
Make-ahead option: Assemble the King Ranch Chicken casserole the day before. Cover it and stick it in the fridge. Take it out 30 minutes before baking.
So there you have it. A delicious king ranch chicken casserole . This will be a winner at your next get-together.
Or just you know, a quiet night in. The best part is it can be made with or without cream of mushroom .
Go on, give it a go!
Recipe Notes for the Best King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom about this king ranch chicken casserole . Honestly, these are the things I've learned after making this chicken casserole recipe way too many times.
You know? The little things that can take it from "meh" to "OH MY GOSH, this is amazing!"
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your King Ranch Chicken Experience
Presentation matters! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds colour. A dollop of sour cream? Chef's kiss.
For sides, think fresh and bright. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Or, make it a full Tex-Mex fiesta with some Spanish rice and a side of black beans.
Margaritas? Always a good shout. This tex mex casserole goes down so easy with one! It's a comfort food recipe , after all!
Storage Tips: Keeping Your King Ranch Chicken Fresh
Fridge time! Properly stored, your king ranch chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing it? Absolutely! Let it cool completely first. Wrap tightly in foil, then plastic wrap, or in a freezer-safe container.
It'll happily hang out in the freezer for up to 3 months .
Reheating? Oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or, microwave it. You know, for speed . Make sure that the temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Variations: Make it Your King Ranch Chicken
Need a dairy-free creamy chicken casserole ? Use dairy-free sour cream. Sub in plant-based cheddar. Boom! Sorted.
Feeling adventurous? Chuck in some roasted sweetcorn. Or swap out the cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder flavour. This chicken and tortilla casserole is a blank canvas.
Play around, have fun! You can even try a king ranch chicken without cream of mushroom recipe, substituting with a homemade béchamel sauce!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body with Deliciousness
Alright, let's get real for a sec. This southwest chicken casserole is comfort food. So, moderation is key. One serving will give you around 450-550 calories, 30-35g of protein, and a good dose of cheesy goodness.
It packs protein and has some fiber from the tortillas. It's not exactly a health food, but it feeds the soul.
Did you know comfort food actually releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain?
So there you have it. Some handy tips to make your rotel chicken casserole extra special. Don't be scared to experiment.
Cook with love. And most importantly, enjoy! I know I will, and I hope this helps you create the best easy casserole recipe around.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is King Ranch Chicken, and why is it so darn popular?
King Ranch Chicken is a Tex-Mex casserole that's basically comfort food royalty. It's layered with tortillas, chicken, a creamy tomato-based sauce, and plenty of cheese. Its popularity likely stems from its delicious flavor, easy preparation (for a casserole!), and the fact that it feeds a crowd – perfect for a potluck or family dinner, y'all!
My King Ranch Chicken is a bit bland. How can I spice it up?
Don't you worry, we can fix that right up! Kick up the heat in your King Ranch Chicken by adding a diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture, or using a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like a "hot" Rotel). You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra zing.
Remember to taste as you go!
Can I make King Ranch Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze it before baking, just thaw it completely in the fridge before popping it in the oven.
Just like getting your ducks in a row before the big day!
Help! My tortillas are getting soggy in my King Ranch Chicken. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy tortillas are a common casserole woe, but there's an easy fix. Lightly toasting the tortillas in a dry skillet or oven before layering them in the casserole helps to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce. Also, don't over-saturate the tortillas with sauce.
Just a thin layer is sufficient to keep it moist without turning it into mush. You'll be a King Ranch Chicken champion in no time!
What are some healthier substitutions I can make in this King Ranch Chicken recipe?
Want to lighten things up a bit? Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat option. Whole wheat tortillas will add fiber, and you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat variety. You can also bulk up the veggie content by adding extra bell peppers or even some chopped spinach to the chicken mixture.
Every little bit helps!
How should I store leftover King Ranch Chicken?
Leftover King Ranch Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just like reheating a slice of pizza – almost as good as the first time (almost!).
