If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, King Ranch Chicken is your go-to recipe. This Tex-Mex casserole is a family favorite for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, melty cheese, and layers of tortillas that soak up all the deliciousness. Wondering how to make King Ranch chicken? Let’s dive into a simple, step-by-step guide that will have you serving up this classic in under an hour!
What is King Ranch Chicken?
King Ranch Chicken is a popular Texan casserole named after the famous King Ranch in Texas. It’s known for its layers of shredded chicken, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn or flour tortillas, and plenty of cheddar cheese. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make King Ranch Chicken, gather these simple ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
– 1 tablespoon oil or butter
– ½ cup finely chopped onion
– ½ cup chopped bell pepper (optional for extra flavor)
– 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 12 corn or flour tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make King Ranch Chicken
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions (and bell peppers if using) and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Mix the Chicken and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies (with their juice), chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.
4. Layer the Casserole
Start by placing a third of the tortilla pieces evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread a third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering two more times, ending with cheese on top.
5. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Tips and Variations for the Best King Ranch Chicken
– Chicken Options: Use cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breasts shredded by hand.
– Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas give a traditional texture and flavor, but flour tortillas work well too and are easier to cut.
– Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or corn kernels.
– Make It From Scratch: Skip canned soups by making a homemade creamy sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.
– Spice It Up: Adjust the chili powder or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
– Cheese Variety: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a creamier, spicier cheese layer.
Serving Suggestions
King Ranch Chicken pairs perfectly with:
– A fresh green salad or simple coleslaw
– Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
– Guacamole and sour cream on the side
– Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it for about 40-50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven.
King Ranch Chicken is a comforting, flavorful casserole that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy layers, it’s a Tex-Mex classic you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation!