Best A True Texans King Ranch Chicken Recipes

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ORIGINAL KING RANCH CHICKEN



Original King Ranch Chicken image

I've been making this for years - it's a family favorite and is classified as Tex-Mex. There are many variations of the original recipe - I've also tried to include some of those variations or options in my recipe. Although, I, personally, believe the original is the best.

Provided by Recipe USA

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
1 cup chicken broth (or more, to taste)
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup green pepper
16 ounces monterey jack cheese
1 whole chicken
12 corn tortillas (or flour, your preference)
tortilla chips (optional choice for variation)
noodles (optional choice for variation)

Steps:

  • 1. Boil chicken, remove meat from skin and bones. (save broth).
  • 2. Sometimes I will use 6-8 chicken breasts instead of whole chicken when I'm in a hurry.
  • 3. Saute onions and green pepper.
  • 4. Mix with soups, tomatoes, cubed chicken, and chicken broth.
  • 5. Line bottom of Pyrex casserole with six corn tortillas.
  • 6. Add 1/2 of chicken/soup mixture; spread over tortillas. Sprinkle grated cheese over mixture.
  • 7. Then make another layer of six tortillas, chicken/soup mixture, and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 250-300 F 1 hour until cheese is bubbly.
  • 8. Please note that you can make this recipe much lower in fat by using the fat free soups and fat free chicken broth. It turns out just as tasty.
  • 9. I've also substituted Cheddar Cheese, as well as Lite Velveeta in place of the Monterey Jack cheese and it was all good.
  • 10. The original recipe uses corn tortillas, although some people prefer the flour. I believe the corn gives it a better flavor myself. For variety, you can also omit the tortillas and use tortilla chips, or even noodles/pasta, in their place. At one time or another, I've tried every variation - they are all good, although I am partial to the corn tortillas.
  • 11. Adding a can of black beans or corn, also takes it to another level and adding a few slicked black olives and a dollop of sour cream before serving makes a nice presentation.

A TRUE TEXAN'S KING RANCH CHICKEN



A True Texan's King Ranch Chicken image

The quintessential Texan feel-good comfort casserole. From a friend who used to own a well-known catering business in Humble, Texas. This is the best! You can make this LOW-CARB by substituting R.W. Garcia Low-Carb Tortilla Chips (or other kind) for the Tostitos.

Provided by Tropical Texan

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
8 ounces sour cream
1 cup medium heat salsa (I use Pace)
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk or 5 ounces heavy whipping cream
1 lb shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, divided
1 (5 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 (12 ounce) bag tostitos gold yellow corn chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350*F.
  • Take 1/2 the bag of chips and layer them on the bottom of a greased 13" x 9" x 2" casserole dish. Then place shredded chicken atop the layer of chips. Layer half of the cheese on top of the chicken.
  • In a separate bowl, prepare sauce. Combine salsa, sour cream, cream of chicken, evaporated milk (or heavy cream), and olives and mix well. Pour over casserole, then add the remaining cheese on top. Cook for 1 hour, or until the top is brown and bubbly. Check it when there is about 15 minutes left--you may want to cover with foil for remainder of cook time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 677.3, Fat 42.9, SaturatedFat 18, Cholesterol 130.8, Sodium 1267.4, Carbohydrate 35.7, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 3, Protein 38.6

THE BEST KING RANCH CHICKEN EVER



The Best King Ranch Chicken Ever image

Make and share this The Best King Ranch Chicken Ever recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Cookingbaby

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 -10 boneless skinless chicken tenderloins or 2 -3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
15 corn tortillas
1 (8 ounce) bag Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 ounce) bag cheddar cheese, jack
2 -3 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 (8 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can chicken broth
1 onion, diced
1 (10 ounce) can rotel, with chilies
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer grapeseed)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375.
  • Dice chicken into small bite size cubes and cook in pan with oil, ground cumin, and chili powder.
  • Pour a light layer of chicken broth at bottom of casserole dish to line.
  • In a medium size bowl, add chicken, rotel, cream of mushroom, and chicken broth and mix.
  • Line bottom of pan with corn tortillas
  • Add chicken and soup mixture over the tortillas.
  • Add a light layer of diced onion over soup mixture.
  • Top with layered mixture between both kinds of cheeses.
  • Repeat last 3 directions until casserole dish is filled and topped with cheese (usually only 2 layers).
  • Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minute.

MAMA'S KINGS RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE (SOUTHEAST TEXAS STYLE)



Mama's Kings Ranch Chicken Casserole (Southeast Texas Style) image

My mom cooked this for us for special occasions (especially for birthdays). It's is an amazing twist to the original kings ranch chicken casserole. I have made this for several occasions now that I'm on my own and everyone has loved it, and it's really easy to make too!

Provided by Darlene Christin

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 cups boiling water
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
4 cups cheese (mild shredded)
1 -16 oz.bag nacho cheese flavor Doritos (or any other flavor you like)
1 -10 oz.can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 -10 oz.can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 -8 oz.can Rotel tomatoes & chilies (undrained. you can also choose between hot or mild)

Steps:

  • Add enough water to pot to cover chicken completely. Boil chicken until it is completely done( normally takes about 45 minutes).
  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, Rotel tomatoes and 1/2 to 3/4 a can of water. Mix well.
  • In a 9X13 pan layer the ingredients starting with the Doritos, then the shredded chicken, cheese, and soup mixture on top. Repeat layering the ingredients in the same order until you get to the top of the pan or run out of ingredients.
  • Place pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

MY FAVORITE KING RANCH CHICKEN



My Favorite King Ranch Chicken image

I adopted this recipe from Recipezaar in September 2006. It was originally submitted by Moxie, but she is no longer a member of Recipezaar. I've been making Moxie's recipe for several years now and I'm proud to give it a home. The only change I make is that I use two cans of cream of chicken soup and omit the can of cream of mushroom soup, because my kids dislike mushrooms. This casserole is a church potluck staple here in Texas and there are as many versions of this dish as there are armadillos in Texas. However, this is the best King Ranch Chicken recipe that I've found! This casserole also freezes well.

Provided by Kim D.

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 -8 chicken breasts
salt & pepper
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 small onion, diced
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 (8 ounce) jar Cheez Whiz
1 (11 ounce) bag cheesy plain Doritos or 1 (11 ounce) bag other corn chips, crushed
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
paprika, to garnish

Steps:

  • Steam or boil the chicken breasts until cooked through (I use my steamer and find it makes the chicken perfectly moist and tender).
  • When cool, dice into bite-size pieces.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix the soups, onion, Ro-tel tomatoes and Cheez Whiz until blended.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
  • Layer the bottom of a greased 9x12 casserole dish with crushed chips.
  • Next, layer half the chicken pieces.
  • Top with half the sauce.
  • Sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
  • Repeat the layers, but top with the Cheddar and Mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle paprika over the top to garnish.
  • Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 929.3, Fat 57.5, SaturatedFat 22.9, Cholesterol 179.8, Sodium 2271.1, Carbohydrate 46.2, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 6.4, Protein 55.1

KING RANCH CHICKEN



King Ranch Chicken image

Here is my twist on this classic dish. My family loves it creamy and loaded with tons of vegetables. It is a one-dish wonder. Of course, veggies can be changed-up, based on what is in season and in the house when cooking. I have even wondered if black beans would be good in it. Mix it up and make it work for your family too!

Provided by karamikel

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 18 cups, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can rotel
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced white onion
1/4 cup diced celery
1 cup frozen sweet corn
1/2 cup diced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red, orange, yellow, or green)
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas
mrs. dash original blend seasoning (to taste)
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Cut chicken breasts into cubes. Cook the pieces in a frying pan with water. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine soup, tomatoes and chiles, cheese, onion, celery, corn, mushrooms, and pepper. Add Mrs. Dash seasoning to your taste. Add chicken to mix.
  • Spray a 13X9 Corning Ware dish with cooking spray. Layer two to three tortillas on the bottom of the pan. Add half of the vegetable/soup/chicken mix. Create another layer of tortillas. Spread the rest of the vegetable/soup/chicken mix on the top.
  • Bake at 350-degrees for 25-30 minutes. Let stand for five minutes and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 133.9, Fat 4.6, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 36.3, Sodium 511.7, Carbohydrate 9.6, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 1.7, Protein 13.9

A True Texans King Ranch Chicken Recipes

The History
Texans are known for their love of food, and King Ranch Chicken is one of the dishes that have become a staple in Texan cuisine. The recipe originated from the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world, located in South Texas. The recipe came to be in the 1950s when the Women’s Society of Christian Service published a cookbook that featured a King Ranch Chicken casserole. Since then, the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and has taken on a life of its own.
The Key Ingredients
There are essential ingredients that every true Texans King Ranch Chicken must have to ensure that it is authentic. These ingredients include: - Shredded chicken: The chicken is the main ingredient, and it needs to be shredded. Ideally, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you can cook by boiling or roasting. - Tomatoes: A true Texans King Ranch Chicken recipe must have fresh tomatoes as one of its ingredients. - Cheese: Any self-respecting Texan knows that cheese is a must-have in any good recipe. In the case of King Ranch Chicken, cheddar cheese is the cheese of choice. - Tortillas: The tortillas make up the base of the dish. They soak up all the flavors from the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes, making the dish even more delicious. - Chili Powder: Chili powder is the spice that gives King Ranch Chicken its kick.
The Preparation
While the recipe may sound simple, it requires some skill and attention to detail to get it right. Here are some tips to help you prepare a true Texans King Ranch Chicken recipe: - Use fresh chicken: The quality of the chicken will make or break the recipe. While canned chicken may seem like an easy option, fresh chicken is the way to go. - Cook the chicken: You can cook the chicken by boiling or roasting it, depending on your preference. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily. - Make your own sauce: While canned cream of mushroom soup is often used in many King Ranch Chicken recipes, a true Texans King Ranch Chicken uses homemade sauce. The sauce is a crucial component of the dish, and preparing it from scratch will give your recipe that authentic taste. - Layer the ingredients: Layering the ingredients is crucial to creating a great King Ranch Chicken casserole. Start with a layer of tortillas at the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by a layer of shredded chicken, tomatoes, cheese, and sauce. Repeat the layers until the casserole dish is full. - Bake the casserole: The casserole needs to be baked to allow all the flavors to meld together. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are crispy.
The Final Verdict
Overall, a true Texans King Ranch Chicken recipe is a must-have in any Texan's recipe collection. With its rich history and mouth-watering taste, it's no wonder that the dish has been passed down for generations. By following the tips mentioned above and using the essential ingredients, you can create an authentic and delicious King Ranch Chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

If you're looking for a recipe that perfectly defines the rich and flavorful cuisine of Texas, look no further than the King Ranch Chicken Casserole. This quintessential Texan dish is known for its creamy layers of cheese, tortillas, chicken, and a savory sauce packed with flavor. It's an ideal option for when you want to impress your guests with a hearty, home-cooked meal that everyone will love. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, creating a delectable King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be a challenge. Here are some valuable tips to help you make a true Texans King Ranch Chicken Recipe that your family and friends will adore.

1. Use the Right Ingredients

One of the most critical aspects of creating an authentic King Ranch Chicken Casserole is choosing the right ingredients. The dish originated in the Southwestern United States, so you must use fresh, locally sourced Southwestern produce to achieve the dish's signature flavor. Here are a few ingredients that are crucial to creating the perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole:
Chicken:
While you can use any type of chicken you like, boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook faster and are easier to work with when assembling the casserole.
Onion and Bell Pepper:
These are staples in any Texan dish and bring a fresh, tangy flavor to the casserole. Use fresh and locally sourced onions and bell peppers whenever possible.
Tomatoes:
Fresh tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor to the casserole. Look for locally grown, vine-ripened tomatoes in your area for the best taste.
Corn Tortillas:
Use fresh corn tortillas that are pliable and won't crack when rolled or folded.
Cheese:
The dish traditionally calls for cheddar cheese, but you can experiment with different types of cheese, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare Ingredients Properly

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, it's essential to prepare them correctly to ensure that your King Ranch Chicken Casserole is consistently delicious.
Chicken:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through, and the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees Fahrenheit.
Onions and Bell Peppers:
Dice the onions and bell peppers into small, bite-size pieces, so they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
Tomatoes:
Cut the tomatoes into small pieces, and remove as many seeds as possible. Otherwise, the casserole may become watery.
Corn Tortillas:
You can either cut the tortillas into strips or tear them into large pieces to layer in the baking dish.
Cheese:
Grate the cheese coarsely. This way, it will melt evenly, and the gratings will be clearly visible in the final dish.

3. Make a Flavorful Sauce

The sauce is perhaps the most crucial component of a King Ranch Chicken Casserole. It's the foundation upon which all the other ingredients rest, and the flavor of the casserole depends largely on the sauce.
Roux:
Start by making a roux, a mixture of fat and flour that serves as the base for the sauce. Traditionally, it is made with butter and flour, but you can also use any type of cooking oil.
Chicken Broth:
Add chicken broth to the roux, along with taco seasoning, a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cream of chicken soup. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning.
Seasoning:
After you've mixed the ingredients, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt and pepper or spices like paprika and cumin, to infuse the sauce with a smoky, earthy flavor.

4. Assembling the Casserole

Once you've prepared all the ingredients, it's time to assemble the casserole.
Layering:
Begin by layering the corn tortillas at the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add a layer of chicken, followed by a layer of onions, and bell peppers. Pour a generous amount of sauce over the layers.
Repeat:
Repeat the layering process until you have used all the ingredients. Make sure to end with a layer of tortillas on top.
Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top layer of tortillas, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

5. Bake to Perfection

The final step in making a perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole is baking it to perfection.
Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest:
Allow the casserole to rest for at least five minutes before serving, as this will ensure that the cheese and the sauce settle and blend well.
Toppings:
Finally, add your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapenos, cilantro, avocado slices, or sour cream to take the casserole to the next level.

Conclusion

Making an authentic King Ranch Chicken Casserole requires some knowledge and skill, but with these valuable tips, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress. Remember, the secret to a perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepare them properly, make a flavorful sauce, assemble the casserole with care, and bake it to perfection. With the right knowledge and a little bit of practice, you can make a truly Texan King Ranch Chicken Casserole that your family and friends will love.

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