King Ranch Chicken
Try this King Ranch Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this King Ranch Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- cheddar cheese
- monterey jack cheese
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 small stalks of celery chopped
- 6 oz of button mushrooms chopped
- 1/4 or 1/3 cup of white wine
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt or more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or more if you like
- 1 tablespoon of cumin or more if you like
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder or more if you like
- 1 can of rotel tomatoes with chiles
- 1/3 cup of flour enough to make a roux
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 1/2 cup of whole milk or half and half
- corn or flour tortillas about 1 dozen, i used flour
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken from the deli dark and light meat removed and shredded
- Carbohydrate 28.10482 g
- Cholesterol 47.8225 mg
- Fat 57.4575700520826 g
- Fiber 5.76900013256073 g
- Protein 17.05255 g
- Saturated Fat 13.3156737538359 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (595g)
- Sodium 301.1405 mg
- Sugar 22.3358198674393 g
- Trans Fat 1.46543625063385 g
- Calories 679 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Get a large casserole dish or 9x13 pan out.
- Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
- Then saute your onions, pepper and celery till translucent.
- Add your minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Then add your mushrooms and cook through, I added a bit more veg oil to help the mushrooms cook.
- Deglaze your pan with the white wine and cook veggies in wine till mostly absorbed.
- Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder and Rotel with chiles and mix together, let cook for a minute.
- Then add your flour to make a roux. Whisk flour in slowly till the veggies and flour form almost a gravy, dough or a thick paste like concoction.
- After it has thickened add the chicken stock and whisk to get the roux to loosen up and combine with the stock.
- Once it has loosened into sort of a soup, add the half and half or milk and whisk.
- Cook over medium/low heat for a few minutes to bring all elements together and reduce to thicken into a nice sauce.
- Take off heat and put a few spoonfuls of sauce in bottom of casserole dish so tortillas won’t stick.
- Then put down a layer of tortillas, 1/3 of shredded chicken and 1/4 of shredded cheeses, topped with dots of the sauce sort of spread out over it.
- Then repeat layers 2 more times, so there are 3 layers of yumminess total.
- Top with additional layer of tortillas, sauce and then cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or so uncovered and keep an eye on it, mine was done at about 35 mins in my oven.
- Slice in to this puppy and enjoy the best dish my husband says I have made in a long time. It is sort of like a mexican lasagna or enchilada casserole and you won’t be disappointed!
King Ranch Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school runs, work deadlines, and managing the ever-growing laundry pile, the thought of slaving away in the kitchen for hours often fills me with dread. But then I discovered King Ranch Chicken, and my weeknight dinners have been transformed.
This isn't your average casserole; this is a symphony of flavors, textures, and ease. It's a Mexican-inspired delight that’s both hearty and comforting. Imagine tender shredded chicken nestled between layers of soft tortillas, bathed in a rich, savory sauce, and generously topped with melted cheese. The aroma alone is enough to transport you straight to a sun-drenched cantina.
What makes this recipe so special? For me, it's the balance. The slight spice from the chili powder dances harmoniously with the richness of the creamy sauce and the savory chicken. The layers add a delightful textural contrast, and the whole thing is surprisingly easy to assemble. It's a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup, leaving me with more time for the things that truly matter.
One of my favorite things about King Ranch Chicken is its versatility. I often adjust it based on what's in my pantry. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of cumin for extra warmth, or swap the cheese for a different blend depending on my family's preferences. Sometimes I use leftover roasted chicken to save even more time. You can get creative and make it your own.
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and happy. My kids devour it, my husband raves about it, and I secretly enjoy sneaking a second helping when everyone else is occupied. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner for the family.
Beyond the Dinner Table: King Ranch Chicken is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a reminder that even on the busiest days, taking the time to create a wholesome and delicious dinner is worth it. The happy faces around the table, the shared laughter, and the sense of togetherness are the ultimate rewards. It’s a dish that brings people together, fosters memories, and nourishes both body and soul.
So, the next time you're staring at a seemingly endless to-do list, remember the magic of King Ranch Chicken. It’s a quick, delicious, and satisfying solution that will leave you with a little more time, and a lot more happiness. Happy cooking!
