King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Are you ready to make a classic Tex-Mex comfort dish that’s full of flavor and sure to please your whole family? King Ranch Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole loaded with layers of chicken, tortillas, peppers, and a velvety sauce that ties it all together. This dish is beloved across Texas and beyond for its rich flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, family dinner, or a casual gathering, this King Ranch Chicken recipe will be a hit! Keep reading for all the details on how to make this mouthwatering casserole.

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What Is King Ranch Chicken?

King Ranch Chicken is a Tex-Mex casserole named after the famous King Ranch in Texas (although the dish itself isn't directly tied to the ranch). It features layers of tender, shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and a creamy sauce made with tomatoes, green chiles, and plenty of cheese. This savory, baked dish has been a staple in Texas homes for decades, thanks to its rich flavors and ease of preparation. Often described as the ultimate comfort food, it’s creamy, cheesy, and a bit spicy, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients List for King Ranch Chicken

To make King Ranch Chicken, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Shredded Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken forms the protein base of this casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: These add texture and help create the signature layers of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These bring a zesty, tangy flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is part of the base of the creamy sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds more creaminess and chicken flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: The more cheese, the better! It’s melted between the layers and on top of the casserole.
• Onions: Add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Use red or green bell peppers to bring in a crunchy, sweet contrast.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and making the sauce rich.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: For a Tex-Mex flair, these spices add warmth and a hint of spice.

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Ingredients List (Serves 6-8)

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients, including quantities for a casserole that serves 6-8 people:

• 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken)
• 10-12 corn tortillas, torn into quarters
• 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Ro-Tel)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Substitutions and Variations

King Ranch Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own:

Chicken:

• Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and you’re ready to go.
• Turkey: Swap chicken with turkey if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Tortillas:

• Flour Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to swap them in. They’ll give the casserole a slightly softer texture.
• Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, use lightly crushed tortilla chips instead of tortillas.

Cream of Soup:

• Homemade Sauce: If you’d rather avoid canned soups, you can make a simple béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and adding milk and chicken broth. Then, mix in sautéed mushrooms and chicken flavorings for a fresher option.

Cheese:

• Different Cheese Blends: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, try using a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some extra spice.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.

These adjustments allow you to adapt the recipe to different tastes, dietary needs, or ingredients you have on hand.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make King Ranch Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well and add the chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Chicken and Tortillas: While the sauce is simmering, tear the corn tortillas into quarters. You don’t need to be too precise – they’ll add texture to the casserole. Shred your cooked chicken if you haven’t already done so.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a layer of the tortilla quarters on the bottom of the dish. Next, layer ⅓ of the shredded chicken on top of the tortillas, followed by ⅓ of the sauce. Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers (tortillas, chicken, sauce, cheese) two more times, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

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

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat the oven and cook your chicken ahead of time if you’re not using rotisserie chicken. While the oven heats up, sauté the vegetables and prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Build Layers

Tear the corn tortillas and layer them with the shredded chicken, sauce, and cheese. This creates a beautiful texture throughout the dish.

Step 3: Bake and Brown

Bake the casserole with foil to keep it moist, and then remove the foil to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. This is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to serve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Raw Tortillas: Make sure to either slightly crisp the tortillas in the oven before layering or use store-bought pre-cooked ones. This ensures they don’t become too soggy in the casserole.
• Overbaking: Don’t bake the casserole for too long, or the cheese on top may harden. Just bake until bubbly and golden.
• Under-seasoning: Always taste the sauce before assembling the casserole. You want to make sure there’s enough seasoning, as tortillas and chicken can be somewhat bland on their own.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your King Ranch Chicken is golden and delicious, here’s how to serve and present it:

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken

This casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Pair it with a simple side salad, black beans, or Spanish rice for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired meal.

Presentation Ideas for King Ranch Chicken

• Garnish: Top the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
• Add a Side: Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to give each bite a little extra zest.

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King Ranch Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for prepping meals for the week or hosting a dinner party.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After assembling (but before baking), cover the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes! Flour tortillas will give the casserole a softer texture, but they work just as well as corn tortillas.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: Add more chili powder, use spicy diced tomatoes with green chiles, or stir in some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free corn tortillas and make sure your cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups are gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
A: Yes, ground beef, turkey, or even black beans can be used as substitutes if you want to switch things up.

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Conclusion

King Ranch Chicken is the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food. With layers of tender chicken, corn tortillas, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to feed a large family or meal-prep for the week, this dish is versatile, delicious, and deeply satisfying. Try it out for dinner tonight and enjoy a taste of Texas tradition right in your own kitchen!

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