Ah, King Ranch Chicken Casserole—a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, especially when the weather starts to turn. Imagine layers of cheesy, spicy goodness mingling with tender chicken, all baked to perfection in one comforting casserole. It’s one of those meals that has a way of bringing people together, like the unexpected joy of finding a forgotten $20 bill in an old coat pocket—truly delightful!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all necessary ingredients. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat, then sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for about two minutes until they’re just warmed through. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with two cans of condensed soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, chicken broth, sour cream, cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, and chipotle chile powder. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
- Begin assembling the casserole by spreading a few tablespoons of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the shredded chicken over the sauce, followed by half of the sauce mixture, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the quartered corn tortillas.
- Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining chicken over the tortillas, followed by almost all the remaining sauce (reserve about half a cup), another third of the Cheddar cheese, and the rest of the tortillas. Finish by spreading the reserved sauce on top and sprinkling with the remaining Cheddar cheese.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes until it is bubbling. Switch the oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy your delicious meal.
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 of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can of 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, shredded or cut into chunks
- 1 (8 ounce) package of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into quarters
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3832 | Total Fat: 224g | Saturated Fat: 88g | Cholesterol: 800mg | Sodium: 7120mg | Total Carbohydrate: 200g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 256g | Vitamin C: 280mg | Calcium: 2208mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 3256mg
FAQ
- What is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex dish, assumed to be named after King Ranch in Texas. It typically includes cooked chicken, canned soups, green chiles, corn tortillas, sour cream, vegetables, and a generous amount of cheese.
- Can I customize the level of spiciness in the casserole?
- Yes, you can adjust the spiciness. For more heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeno or using Pepper Jack cheese instead of Cheddar. To reduce the spiciness, use milder chili powders and omit any additional spicy ingredients.
- What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
- You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it a great way to use leftovers. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option if you’re short on time.
- Are there alternative options for corn tortillas?
- Yes, some people prefer using Doritos or tortilla chips for a crunchier texture and a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
- What can I serve with King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
- While the casserole is satisfying on its own, it pairs well with light side salads or other quick side dishes if you’d like to add more variety to your meal.
Tips
- Add Extra Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or poblano pepper when sautéing the vegetables for an extra kick of heat.
- Use Smoked Chicken: For a unique flavor twist, try using smoked chicken instead of regular chicken. This can add a deliciously smoky depth to the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheese: While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, using Pepper Jack can introduce an extra layer of spiciness. Feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Crunchy Tortilla Alternative: Instead of using traditional corn tortillas, consider substituting with crushed Doritos or tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy texture in your casserole.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – For sautéing the onion and bell peppers.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine the sautéed vegetables, soups, and other ingredients.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish – For assembling and baking the casserole.
- Broiler-Safe Oven – Ensure your oven has a broiler function for the final step of broiling the top.
