King Ranch Chicken is a Tex-Mex classic known for its layers of flavorful ingredients, including chicken, peppers, onions, and spices, all baked together with tortillas and cheese. This hearty and comforting casserole dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its rich and creamy sauce and bold Southwestern flavors, King Ranch Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why Make King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine in one flavorful casserole. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and spices. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or party, King Ranch Chicken fits the bill.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté green and red bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos in olive oil until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove cooked vegetables from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Assemble Casserole: Stir in corn tortillas, cooked chicken, and drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Spread mixture evenly in a baking dish, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle reserved cooked vegetables over the top of the casserole and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve promptly.

Serving Suggestions

King Ranch Chicken is delicious served on its own, but you can also pair it with sides like rice, beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Top with sour cream, sliced avocado, or pickled jalapenos for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Info

Any leftover King Ranch Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Some Techniques or Tips

To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for this recipe.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapeno and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variation

Feel free to customize King Ranch Chicken with your favorite ingredients. Add black beans, corn, or diced green chilies for extra flavor and texture. You can also use different types of cheese or tortillas to switch up the dish.

FAQs about King Ranch Chicken

Can I make King Ranch Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken? Yes, King Ranch Chicken can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze leftovers, portion them into individual servings, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
What can I serve with King Ranch Chicken? King Ranch Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, beans, salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for scooping up the cheesy goodness.

For ingredients and comprehensive cooking instructions, please proceed to the next page or click the open button (>)—and be sure to share with your Facebook friends!

Pages: 1 2