Savor the Southwest: Irresistible King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish that has become a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, especially known for its creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. Though its exact origins are somewhat of a mystery, with some attributing it to the legendary King Ranch in Texas, one thing is certain: this casserole is a go-to comfort food for many households across the United States.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering layers of tender chicken, hearty tortillas, and a savory sauce packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that can easily feed a crowd while leaving everyone satisfied. Whether you’re already familiar with Tex-Mex cooking or just starting to explore its bold, exciting flavors, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is an excellent way to experience a taste of Texas in your own kitchen.

The magic of this casserole lies in its combination of creamy soups, tangy tomatoes with green chiles, and a mix of flavorful spices like cumin, oregano, and chile powders. It’s a great dish to make if you want something comforting yet flavorful, with a little bit of a kick from the spices. Plus, it's easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or when you're looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1 (3 pound) cooked chicken, torn into shreds or cut into chunks
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
• 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into quarters

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Sauté the diced onion and bell peppers in the hot oil for about 2 minutes until softened. Transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
3. To the same bowl, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, chicken broth, sour cream, cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, and chipotle chile powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Spread a few tablespoons of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create the base layer. Begin layering the casserole by adding half of the shredded chicken, half of the sauce, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the quartered corn tortillas.
5. Next, layer the remaining chicken over the tortillas, followed by all but ½ cup of the remaining sauce, another portion of the Cheddar, and the rest of the tortillas.
6. Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of sauce and sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling.
8. Turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of the Southwest!

This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad, Spanish rice, or even some guacamole and chips. The leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

A Flavorful Tex-Mex Tradition

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of Texas to your table. With its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness, this dish is sure to please. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole will leave your guests asking for seconds. You don’t have to be in Texas to enjoy this delightful Tex-Mex creation!

The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex classic that has garnered a huge fan base, especially in Texas. This hearty dish is known for its layers of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and a creamy sauce made from condensed soups, tomatoes with green chiles, and a mix of bold spices. While the origins of this dish are unclear, it has been a staple in many Southern households since the 1950s.

The casserole features a savory mix of ingredients like onions, bell peppers, chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Most versions of the recipe include cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups for that rich, creamy texture. Some variations may even use homemade roux in place of canned soups for a fresher take. The use of spices like cumin, chili powder, and chipotle adds a distinct smoky flavor that is quintessential to Tex-Mex cuisine.

To make this dish, you simply sauté the vegetables, mix in the soups and spices, and layer everything with chicken and tortillas. After baking, you get a bubbling, cheesy casserole with just the right amount of spice and creaminess. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

For more recipe details and variations, you can check out sources like Allrecipes and Southern Living​(Allrecipes)​(Southern Living).