Traditional Taste of Texas - How to Make a King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Poultry
Written By Nadine Madrigal

Discover > Texas Recipes > Traditional Taste of Texas - How to Make a King Ranch Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a taste of Texas, you can't go wrong with King Ranch chicken (how long does chicken last?)- a true Southern comfort classic. 

This dish layers together tortillas, tender chunks of chicken, plenty of cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch. Unsurprisingly, this casserole is a favorite in homes across the Lone Star State. 

Moreover, its namesake ranch is a legend in its own right. The King Ranch is a sprawling expanse of land that stretches across 825,000 acres in South Texas and is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. So when you take a bite of King Ranch chicken, you get a delicious meal and a slice of Texas history too.

Origins of King Ranch Chicken

The exact origin of King Ranch Chicken needs to be clarified. 

When I first heard about Henrietta King and her famed King Ranch in South Texas, I couldn't help but imagine her as a 19th-century Martha Stewart, building a multibillion-dollar empire while simultaneously nourishing her work crew with homemade meals. So, of course, I had to find out if the legendary Henrietta King was the mastermind behind the delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole. But, unfortunately, according to King Ranch representatives, this is not the case. 

Nevertheless, the casserole remains a beloved dish, with its name now synonymous with the ranch. Whether named for its proximity to the casserole's birthplace or simply as a catchy Texas-sized moniker, there's no denying that this dish has rightfully earned its place in Texan lore.

Regardless of its origins, King Ranch Chicken has become a beloved Texan comfort food often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and other social events. The dish has many variations, but it typically includes chicken, tortillas, a creamy sauce, and cheese. In addition, it can be customized with different spices and ingredients to suit personal preferences.

What Makes King Ranch Chicken a Texas-Style Dish?

King Ranch Chicken is considered a Texas-style dish because it incorporates ingredients and flavors commonly associated with Texas cuisine. The dish typically includes chicken, which is a popular protein source in Texas, as well as tortillas, which are a staple food in Tex-Mex cuisine.

The creamy sauce used in King Ranch Chicken often includes tomatoes, peppers, and spices like chili powder and cumin, which are commonly used in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine. These ingredients give the dish a distinct flavor profile often associated with Texas cuisine.

The dish is also named after the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States and located in South Texas. The ranch has a long and storied history in Texas. It is considered an essential part of the state's cultural heritage.

Overall, King Ranch Chicken is a dish that embodies the flavors and traditions of Texas cuisine, making it a beloved comfort food in the state and a popular choice for Texans and visitors alike.

Ingredient List for King Ranch Chicken

  • Chicken

The chicken is the show's star here, and there are plenty of ways to prepare it. Whether you opt for a tried-and-true rotisserie chicken or cook your own from scratch, the key is to shred it into tender, bite-sized pieces. From there, you'll layer it with creamy sauce, crispy tortilla chips (how long do tortilla chips last?), and plenty of gooey cheese, creating a dish sure to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings. 

  • Corn Tortillas

One of the key ingredients in this dish is corn tortillas (how long do corn tortillas last?), which are cut into quarters and layered throughout the casserole. These small bites of tortilla add a subtle crunch and help absorb all the delicious flavors of the other ingredients. 

  • Tomatoes and Green Chilies

Among the critical components of this mouthwatering recipe are the tomatoes and 

green chilies, which add a tangy and spicy kick to every bite. Combining these two ingredients creates a unique and zesty flavor that perfectly compliments the chicken and cream sauce. 

  • Spices

What sets this dish apart is the combination of chili powder, garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) cumin, salt, and pepper, all of which add a perfect amount of zest and kick to the dish. 

I highly recommend purchasing chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper online for a convenient shopping experience!

  • Cheddar Cheese

One of the most essential components of this dish is the cheese. Specifically, cheddar cheese. Its sharp, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients and creates a gooey, melty, irresistible layer. 

Watonga Cheese Factory prides itself on its 80-year old tradition to produce rich, all-natural, and handmade cheddar cheese that is so full of flavor.

Tips for Making the Most Flavorful and Authentic King Ranch Chicken Possible

Here are some tips for making flavorful and authentic King Ranch Chicken:

Use Homemade Chicken Broth

Making your chicken broth from scratch can add much flavor to your King Ranch Chicken. Simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and seasonings in water for several hours to make a flavorful broth.

Chicken and poultry, in general, are one of the most common foods consumed in Texas. Find out what makes a poultry farm sustainable here.

Roast the Chicken

Roasting the chicken before shredding it can add a lot of depth of flavor to your dish. Coat the chicken in spices and roast in the oven until crispy.

Pastured chickens are a good choice for sustainability-conscious consumers because they are much more ecologically moral than traditional farming.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh onions, peppers, and spices can make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients will have a more robust flavor than canned or dried ones.

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Layer the Ingredients

Layering the tortillas, chicken, and sauce in the baking dish will ensure that every bite has a balance of flavors. Be sure to spread the ingredients evenly and repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used up.

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Use a Cast-Iron Casserole Dish

Cooking the onion and bell pepper in a cast-iron casserole dish before adding the other ingredients can add a smoky flavor to your dish.

If you're looking for a cast-iron skillet, buying it online is your best bet!

Let it Rest

Allowing the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld together and make for a more cohesive dish.

Following these tips, you can create a flavorful and authentic King Ranch Chicken that will impress your family and friends.

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 10 cups water

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters

  • 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz)

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Place the whole chicken, onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, water, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

  2. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside.

  3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the vegetables and bay leaf—reserve 4 cups of the chicken broth (how long does chicken broth last?) .

  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  5. In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened.

  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

  7. In a cast-iron casserole, spread a layer of the tomato and soup mixture, then layer with tortillas, chicken, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.

  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  9. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This recipe yields a delicious and flavorful King Ranch Chicken that will surely be a hit with your family and friends.

There are endless ways to enjoy these delicious birds, from fried chicken to smoked turkey. Check out some of our favorite Texas poultry recipes.

Yield: 8
Author: Nadine Madrigal
King Ranch Chicken Recipe

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 45 MinInactive time: 15 MinTotal time: 2 Hour
If you're looking for a taste of Texas, you can't go wrong with King Ranch chicken - a true Southern comfort classic.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 10 cups water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Place the whole chicken, onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, water, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside.
  3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the vegetables and bay leaf—reserve 4 cups of the chicken broth.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  5. In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  7. In a cast-iron casserole, spread a layer of the tomato and soup mixture, then layer with tortillas, chicken, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

501.01

Fat

28.53 g

Sat. Fat

10.87 g

Carbs

31.45 g

Fiber

4.83 g

Net carbs

26.64 g

Sugar

5 g

Protein

30.72 g

Sodium

935.25 mg

Cholesterol

104.63 mg

Percentages are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.

Nadine Madrigal
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