King Ranch chicken is a popular Tex-Mex casserole that combines chicken, cream of mushroom soup, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It’s a delicious and comforting one-dish meal with an interesting backstory. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and history of King Ranch chicken, break down the ingredients that go into making this casserole, and provide a recipe so you can make it at home. Whether you’re new to King Ranch chicken or are looking to learn more about this staple Tex-Mex dish, read on to find out what gives this casserole its distinctive flavor.
What is the history and origin of King Ranch chicken?
King Ranch chicken was created in the early 1950s on the legendary King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. The dish was likely invented by the wife of Tom Kleberg, who owned the ranch at the time. Its creation came about when Kleberg requested a new chicken dish for a dinner party. His wife opted to combine chicken with cream of mushroom soup, spices, cheese, and vegetables to create an easy, one-pan casserole.
The dish was a big hit at the party and soon became popular across Texas and the Southwest. Despite its name, King Ranch chicken has no actual association with the King Ranch cattle brand. Rather, it picked up the King Ranch name simply because it originated there.
Over the years, the basic formula has remained mostly unchanged. It continues to be a go-to weeknight dinner, potluck staple, and tasty Tex-Mex meal. While the original creator may not have intended it, King Ranch chicken has certainly become a legendary and iconic casserole dish.
What are the main ingredients in King Ranch chicken?
King Ranch chicken combines chicken, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, spices, and cheese to make a hearty and delicious casserole. Here are the main ingredients that go into making this classic dish:
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used for King Ranch chicken. The chicken can be diced or shredded. Using shredded or chopped chicken allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup provides moisture and a creamy base for the casserole. Condensed soup is usually preferred since it has a thicker, creamier texture. The mushroom flavor also nicely complements the chicken and other ingredients.
Onions and Bell Peppers
Onions and bell peppers add flavor, texture, and vegetables to balance out the dish. Yellow onions are most common, but red, white, or green onions can also be used. Bell peppers, particularly green, red, and yellow, add bright pops of color.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese helps bind the ingredients together and gives the top a melted, gooey layer of cheese. White or yellow cheddar are typical, but other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack may also be used.
Spices and seasonings
King Ranch chicken is flavored with spices like garlic powder, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Chicken broth or bouillon may also be used to add extra flavor. The exact blend can be altered to suit different tastes.
Tortilla chips, tortillas, or corn chips
Crushed tortilla chips, torn tortilla strips, or corn chips are often used to add a crispy topping to King Ranch chicken right before baking. This provides a signature crunch and texture contrast.
What are the steps to make King Ranch chicken?
Making King Ranch chicken is easy since everything bakes together in one pan. Here is an overview of the basic steps:
1. Dice or shred cooked chicken. Any variety of chicken breast or thigh will work well.
2. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and seasonings like garlic powder and cumin.
3. In a casserole dish, combine chicken, sautéed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
4. Top with crushed tortilla chips or chips. You can also mix some in with the filling.
5. Bake at 375°F covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and chips are crispy.
6. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, cilantro, or green onions if desired.
The full recipe with specific ingredient amounts is included later in this article. But in essence, that’s all there is to making this easy and delicious casserole!
What variations can you make of King Ranch chicken?
While the classic recipe is beloved, there are lots of tasty ways to put your own spin on King Ranch chicken:
– Use different types of tortilla chips like nacho cheese or blue corn chips for the topping
– Mix in diced green chiles for extra heat
– Add black beans or corn for more texture
– Stir in cilantro or parsley for freshness
– Use Mexican-style cheeses like queso fresco or Cotija
– Swap out the mushroom soup for a can of golden sweet corn or cream of chicken soup
– Replace some of the chicken with shredded pork or beef
– Bake in individual ramekins for single-serve portions
The basic formula can easily be tweaked with different ingredients to create all kinds of flavor variations. Feel free to get creative to make this comforting casserole your own!
Nutrition information for King Ranch chicken
One serving of King Ranch chicken contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 830mg |
As you can see, King Ranch chicken provides a good amount of protein from the chicken along with veggies like onions and bell peppers. The cream soup does add quite a bit of sodium. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soup or limiting added salt in other areas of the meal. Overall, when enjoyed in moderation, King Ranch chicken can be part of a healthy and balanced diet.
King Ranch Chicken Recipe
Now that you know what King Ranch chicken is made of, here is a recipe so you can make this famous casserole at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shredded or chopped
– 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
– 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
– 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
– 8 ounces tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add chicken and cook 5 minutes more until browned and cooked through.
4. In a large bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, green chilies, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and chicken mixture until combined.
5. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with crushed tortilla chips and remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
6. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
7. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Where can you find the best King Ranch chicken in restaurants?
While it’s easy to make at home, you may also find some delicious King Ranch chicken dishes at Texas restaurants and diners. Here are some eateries known for serving up excellent versions of this casserole:
– Mama Ninfa’s – With locations in Houston, their King Ranch chicken combines flavors of roasted poblano, onion, garlic, and more.
– Chuy’s – A popular Tex-Mex chain, their baked chicken enchiladas with creamy mushroom sauce pay homage to the original recipe.
– Eddie V’s – This upscale steakhouse puts a gourmet spin on King Ranch chicken with lobster meat and béarnaise sauce.
– Goode Co. Barbeque – Their King Ranch chicken skillet has a smoky, barbecue twist.
– Brooklyn Pie Company – Found in Denver, they serve a green chile and bacon King Ranch chicken pizza.
– Cattleman’s Steakhouse – Historic restaurant in Fabens, Texas serving authentic border-style King Ranch chicken.
So if you’re ever in Texas, be sure to try out some King Ranch chicken at these local hot spots. Just keep in mind the homemade version will likely always reign supreme!
Is King Ranch chicken gluten-free?
King Ranch chicken is traditionally made with ingredients like corn tortilla chips, cream of mushroom soup, onions, bell peppers, and cheese which are all gluten-free. However, some recipes may call for additions like flour tortillas, beer, or soy sauce which do contain gluten.
To make a gluten-free version, simply use 100% corn tortilla chips, avoid flour tortillas, and check that all ingredients or seasonings used are certified gluten-free. Some easy swaps include:
– Using corn starch instead of regular flour to coat chicken
– Opting for Tamari instead of soy sauce
– Choosing gluten-free broth or bouillon
– Serving it with gluten-free tortillas or rice
As long as you are diligent about reading labels and use verified gluten-free ingredients, King Ranch chicken can easily be prepared gluten-free. Just be aware that recipes may need to be altered from their original version to accommodate a gluten allergy or intolerance.
Can King Ranch chicken be made healthier?
King Ranch chicken is certainly a hearty and comforting dish. But it is possible to lighten it up a bit by making some healthier tweaks:
– Use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup or make your own lighter sauce.
– Choose low-sodium tortilla chips or bake your own tortilla strips.
– Increase veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini or peppers.
– Use whole grain rice or quinoa instead of chips on top.
– Mix in beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
– Opt for part-skim mozzarella or shredded Mexican cheese blend.
– Cook chicken in the oven or Instant Pot instead of frying.
– Serve smaller portions and pair with a side salad.
With some simple substitutions and additions, you can give this casserole a healthy makeover while keeping the same great flavors. Just be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoyed occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet, lighter King Ranch chicken can be a nutritious meal.
Conclusion
King Ranch chicken has become a legendary staple of Texas cuisine thanks to its tasty combination of chicken, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips. This easy one-pan casserole has humble roots tracing back to the famous King Ranch, where the dish was first created in the 1950s.
While the basic ingredients like chicken, cream of mushroom soup, onions, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips remain integral, the recipe can be customized in endless ways to suit any taste or diet. King Ranch chicken is sure to remain a comforting, southwestern classic for generations to come, whether enjoyed in its original form or with your own unique spin.