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King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

King Ranch Chicken is a comforting, layered casserole featuring tender chicken, a flavorful combination of bell peppers, onions, and spices, creamy soups, corn tortillas, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This Tex-Mex classic offers a hearty and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 onion (finely diced)
  • 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (finely diced - any color or combination)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves (chopped)

Pantry & Canned Goods

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 10-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (do not drain)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Proteins

  • 4 cups diced cooked chicken

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

Others

  • 16 corn tortillas (cut into squares)
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and coat a 9"x13" baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and bell peppers, cooking them for 5-6 minutes or until they soften and become tender.
  3. Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors.
  4. Combine Soup and Chicken Mixture: Incorporate the chili powder, ground cumin, cream of chicken soup, canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the juice), and the cooked diced chicken. Stir well to combine everything and heat through evenly.
  5. Layer Casserole - First Layer: Arrange one-third of the corn tortilla squares evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese on top.
  6. Layer Casserole - Repeat: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by one-third of the chicken mixture and one-third of the cheese. Repeat one more time, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the layers to meld and the cheese to melt.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and begins to turn golden brown.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Before serving, top with the diced Roma tomatoes and chopped cilantro for freshness and added flavor.
  10. Serve: Cut the King Ranch Chicken into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty Tex-Mex casserole as a satisfying main dish.

Notes

  • Use any color of bell peppers or a combination for more vibrant flavor and appearance.
  • Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works excellently for this recipe.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy green chiles.
  • Can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred, but keep them slightly toasted to avoid sogginess.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with cooked beans or vegetables and substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/king-ranch-chicken-recipe/