King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a clever joining of tender, succulent chicken melded with the rich flavors of bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The cream cheese and sour cream blend into a luscious sauce, enveloping each bite with creamy goodness. The tortillas add a delightful layer of texture, while the mozzarella cheese on top turns golden and bubbly under the broiler. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the spicy kick of jalapenos to the satisfying crunch of crushed tortilla chips. It’s a sensory experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 white onion chopped
- ⅛ cup pickled jalapenos chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 rotisserie chicken breasts shredded
- 1 can 400 g/14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 tortillas sliced into triangles
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- crushed tortilla chips
- jalapenos
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, placed over medium heat. Cook bell peppers and onions for 10 minutes.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 bell pepper, 1 white onion
- Add jalapenos, garlic and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute.⅛ cup pickled jalapenos, 3 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Add the chicken. Pour in water and tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Combine the sauce with cream cheese and sour cream, then bring to a light boiling. Stir in sliced tortillas, then top with cheese.2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup water, ½ cup cream cheese, ⅓ cup sour cream, 2 rotisserie chicken breasts, 1 can, 4 tortillas, 1 cup mozzarella
- Broil for 5 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve topped with crushed chips, some jalapenos and parsley.crushed tortilla chips, jalapenos, chopped parsley
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 white onion, chopped
- ⅛ cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 rotisserie chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 tortillas, sliced into triangles
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- crushed tortilla chips, jalapenos and chopped parsley for serving
🔪How Do I Make It?
Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, placed over medium heat. Cook bell peppers and onions for 10 minutes.
Add jalapenos, garlic and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Add the chicken. Pour in water and tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Combine the sauce with cream cheese and sour cream, then bring to a light boiling. Stir in sliced tortillas, then top with cheese.
Broil for 5 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Serve topped with crushed chips, some jalapenos and parsley.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
While King Ranch Chicken Casserole is undoubtedly a star on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience.
Fresh Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, works beautifully to balance the richness of the casserole. The crisp greens and vibrant vegetables provide a refreshing contrast and add a burst of color to your table.
Steamed Vegetables
For a nutritious touch, consider serving steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Their crispness not only enhances the plate aesthetically but also complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
Warm Cornbread
For those looking to indulge, warm cornbread is an excellent side. This comforting bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce, ensuring that no bite of this delicious meal goes to waste.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Sauté Vegetables for Maximum Flavor
To achieve the best flavor profile in your King Ranch Chicken Casserole, start by sautéing the bell peppers and onions until they reach a soft and caramelized state. This step not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a rich depth to the dish.
Ensure a Smooth Sauce
When incorporating flour into your sauce, it’s crucial to stir well to prevent any lumps from forming. A smooth sauce is essential for a creamy texture that envelops the chicken and tortillas perfectly.
Broil for the Perfect Finish
Don't rush the broiling process! Monitor the casserole closely while it’s under the broiler to achieve that desired golden and bubbly top. This step is key to ensuring your dish not only tastes amazing but also looks appetizing on the table.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of broiling, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, broil it until heated through and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For an extra kick, add more pickled jalapenos or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Definitely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the casserole for a quick and easy meal.
How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, King Ranch Chicken Casserole can last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish, then cover it tightly and store it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then cook in the oven until heated through.
What can I substitute for tortillas?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using corn tortillas or even spaghetti squash as a unique alternative. For a low-carb version, you could also use sliced zucchini or cauliflower.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you’ve fallen in love with the King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’re in for a treat with more chicken casserole recipes. Try some of these classics that I just know you'll love:
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