Description
King Ranch Chicken is a Tex-Mex classic known for its creamy, cheesy layers of chicken, tortillas, and spicy flavors. A favorite at potlucks and family gatherings, this casserole combines bold seasonings with tender chicken and a crispy topping, making it a satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Units
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- Vegetable Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chicken Mixture:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cheese Blend:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Assembly:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add onion, bell pepper, and poblano pepper, cooking for 8–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. - Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in diced tomatoes with chilies and sour cream. - Combine Chicken and Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken and cilantro. Add the vegetable mixture and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. - Prepare the Tortillas:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with oil on both sides. Cook tortillas in the skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned and crisp. - Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer 6 tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the chicken mixture on top and sprinkle with one-third of the cheese. Repeat layers once more, then finish with the remaining tortillas and cheese. - Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Category: Dinner