King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450-500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something proper comforting? This king ranch chicken is the answer. Think layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. This tastes like a big hug, but with a Tex-Mex twist.
Brief Overview
King ranch chicken casserole is a texan staple. nobody really knows where it comes from. some say it’s not from the actual king ranch.
Regardless, it is pure comfort food. this recipe is medium difficulty, taking about an hour. it yields 6-8 servings. get ready to tuck in!
Main Benefits
This king ranch chicken casserole is packed with protein. it's also great for feeding a crowd. think potlucks, family dinners or even just a cozy night in.
What makes it special? it's the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy. it's proper lush.
Alright, let's talk ingredients. This ain't just any grandma’s chicken casserole . This is next level. So, grab your apron, and let's get cracking.
Alright, let's dive into what makes this King Ranch Chicken casserole sing. It's not just chucking stuff in a dish, you know? It's about getting the flavours right.
Ingredients That Rock the Ranch
Okay, gather 'round, because we're about to get this show on the road. It all starts with the basics.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken : 3 cups (about 450g ) cooked and shredded. Listen, grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the shop works wonders. Saves time, innit?
- Veggies: 1 large onion and 1 green bell pepper , both chopped. Aim for around 1 cup (150g) each.
- Tomatoes & Chillies: Two cans of 10-ounce (283g) diced tomatoes and green chillies. Rotel is the usual suspect, and don't drain them !
Seasoning Notes
Spices can make or break things. Here's the lowdown.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cumin. The Tex-Mex dream team, right there.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) for that little extra oomph.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously. Don't be shy!
- Essential spice combinations: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are what makes this Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Casserole great.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: The addition of the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained really add a lot of flavour.
- Quick substitution options: A pre-mixed taco seasoning can be used if you don't have the individual spices.
Honestly, if you’re making a King Ranch Chicken Casserole No Canned Soup version, you might need to amp up the spices a tad.
Creamy Dreamy Sauce
- Soups: 1 can ( 10.75-ounce / 305g ) each of condensed cream of mushroom and cream of chicken. The classic.
- More Tomatoes & Chillies: Another 10-ounce (283g) can of Rotel. Yep, again!
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (225g) for that tangy goodness.
The Grand Finale
- Tortillas: 12 corn tortillas . Cut into quarters, like little pizza slices.
- Cheese: 2 cups (200g) of shredded cheddar. The more, the merrier, I reckon.
Honestly, finding ways to make this a King Ranch Chicken Casserole Low Carb is tough, but swapping the tortillas for cauliflower rice might work. Just saying!
Equipment Needed
Right, what kit do you actually need ?
- Skillet: A big one, or a Dutch oven. For the chicken and veggie shenanigans.
- Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch number. Standard casserole size.
- Bowls & Measuring Bits: For mixing and measuring. You know the drill.
You could probably bodge it with a frying pan and a smaller dish, but why make life harder, eh? honestly, this king ranch chicken casserole allrecipes wonder is all about simplicity, even if it looks fancy.
Now, Grandma’s Chicken Casserole might use breadcrumbs, but this is Tex-Mex, darling. We're going all-in with tortillas. Forget those other Cracker Chicken recipes.
And if you're ever in a pinch, remember that King Ranch Casserole or King Ranch Chicken can be adapted. A bit less spice here, a different cheese there. Make it your own!
So, that’s the lowdown on ingredients and kit. Bit of prep, a bit of layering, and bingo! Texas on a plate. Enjoy, love!
Alright, let's dive headfirst into making some proper King Ranch Chicken Casserole ! I reckon you've probably heard whispers of this legendary dish. It's like Texas's best kept secret (that everyone knows, haha!).
King Ranch Chicken Casserole: Texas Comfort on Your Table
This king ranch chicken casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and just a bit spicy bake featuring chicken, tortillas, and a whole lotta southwest flavour.
There is a lot of debate about where this comes from, but don't be fooled, it's not actually from the king ranch .
But, oh my gosh, it's a family fave for good reason! perfect for potlucks or a cosy night in.
This is a medium difficulty recipe. It isn't too hard, but it needs a bit of chopping and layering. So, a little bit more than a one-pot meal.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Alright, let's get organised. Essential mise en place is key. It's all about prepping before the chaos starts, innit?
- Essential mise en place . Chop one large onion (1 cup/150g), and one green bell pepper (1 cup/150g). Shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken (450g). Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, trust me! Measure out your spices and sauces. Cut 12 corn tortillas into quarters. Shred 2 cups of cheddar cheese (200g)
- Time saving organization tips . Get everything out. I mean everything . Lay out all your ingredients and equipment before you even think about turning on the hob.
- Safety reminders . I know this sounds daft, but don't burn yourself. Ovens are hot. Sharp knives are sharp. Just be careful, yeah?
Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Instructions
Right, let's get cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be golden.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened ( 5- 7 minutes ).
- Spice it up: Stir in 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2- 3 minutes .
- Chicken time: Add the 3 cups of shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Sauce Boss: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 (10.75-ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 (10.75-ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 1 cup of sour cream.
- Layer Up: Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortilla pieces over the sauce. Top with half of the chicken mixture and half of the remaining creamy sauce. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers tortilla pieces, remaining chicken mixture, creamy sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Time: Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes . Look for golden brown and bubbly, yeah?
- Rest: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Casserole
Here are some insider secrets to make your King Ranch Chicken Casserole absolutely banging .
- Pro Tip 1: Toasting the tortillas before layering can save them from becoming soggy. Lightly toast them!
- Pro Tip 2: Avoid pre-shredded cheese. Often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
- Common mistake to avoid: Don't overbake. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Make ahead option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Then, just bung it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
So there you have it. making king ranch chicken is easier than you thought, right? now go get cooking! don't forget to let me know how it turns out.
Now, who's for pioneer woman king ranch chicken casserole ?
Okay, darlin', let's talk about making your king ranch chicken casserole experience perfect . you know, the little things that elevate this down home classic.
It's all about turning this into your own pioneer woman king ranch chicken casserole masterpiece!
Recipe Notes and Nifty Ideas
Honestly, sometimes the recipe is just the starting point. It's all about making it yours .
Plating Like a Pro & Awesome Sides
Presentation matters, love! for king ranch chicken , scoop a generous portion onto a plate. garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
If you're feeling fancy, some sliced avocado adds a nice touch.
As for sides? a bright, crunchy salad is perfect to balance the richness of the casserole. think something with a lime vinaigrette.
Drinks wise, a cold mexican beer or even just a glass of iced tea works a treat! it is also perfect with grandma’s chicken casserole .
Storage Sorted: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This King Ranch Casserole is great the next day.
- Fridge: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: Freezing is an option! Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer safe wrap. It will last up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or, for a quick fix, microwave it, but it might be a bit drier.
Swaps and Twists: Make It Your Own
This is where the fun starts! Want to make it King Ranch Chicken Casserole Low Carb ? Use low-carb tortillas.
Fancy a seasonal twist? in the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash to the chicken mixture for a bit of sweetness.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! want spicy king ranch chicken ? throw in some jalapeños!
Bitesize Nutrition Info
Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But, it's delicious .
Each serving packs a good punch of protein (around 30-35g!), which is great for keeping you full. it also has calcium from the cheese.
While it's higher in fat and carbs, it's all about enjoying it in moderation. think of it as comfort food for the soul! you can also try king ranch chicken casserole no canned soup .
Right then, you've got all the tips and tricks you need to make this King Ranch Chicken Casserole Allrecipes worthy! So, go on, give it a go! You’ll never ever want another Cracker Chicken
Honestly, you'll smash it! Now, off you pop!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is King Ranch Chicken, and where does it come from?
King Ranch Chicken is a classic Texan casserole with layers of chicken, tortillas, a creamy sauce, and cheese. Despite the name, it doesn't actually originate from the famous King Ranch in Texas! It's a comforting dish, much like a good shepherd's pie after a long day, that's become a beloved family favourite.
The creamy texture and blend of flavors make it a real crowd pleaser.
Can I make King Ranch Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assembling the King Ranch Chicken casserole in advance is a great time saver. You can prepare it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
Just think of it as prepping for a Sunday roast the day before!
How do I store leftover King Ranch Chicken?
Store leftover King Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but the oven is best for maintaining texture. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
This is a great way to enjoy it again, especially after a long day at the office when you need something comforting.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Can I make a lighter version of King Ranch Chicken?
Yes, you can easily lighten up King Ranch Chicken! Use reduced fat cream of soups and light sour cream to cut down on fat. You can also use chicken breast instead of thigh, and don't be shy with the veggies.
Consider adding a layer of spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients - a bit like sneaking vegetables into your kids' meals, but for yourself!
Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken?
Freezing cooked King Ranch Chicken is possible, but the texture of the tortillas and creamy sauce might change slightly. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed. It's a bit like freezing a lasagne it works, but fresh is always best if you can manage it!
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom/chicken soup in King Ranch Chicken?
If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom or chicken soup, or simply don't have them on hand, there are a couple of substitutes you can use. Cream of celery soup is a good alternative for the cream of mushroom, and you could try using a homemade white sauce (béchamel) for a richer flavor with some added chicken stock for the cream of chicken soup.
It's a bit like adapting a recipe when the shops are out of your usual tea bags you've got to make do!