King Ranch Chicken is a popular Tex-Mex casserole made with chicken, cream of chicken soup, onions, bell peppers, and tortilla chips. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish that is a staple at potlucks and backyard barbecues across Texas and the Southern United States. But where did this recipe get its name and how did it become so popular?
The History of King Ranch and King Ranch Chicken
King Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the world, spanning over 825,000 acres across South Texas. The ranch was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King and Gideon K. Lewis. King and Lewis acquired sections of land in South Texas, eventually establishing the King Ranch.
The ranch was named after its founder, Captain Richard King. King was a riverboat captain and entrepreneur who invested in land after settling in South Texas. The ranch was focused on raising longhorn cattle, horses, and sheep. Under King’s leadership, the ranch expanded through additional land purchases and flourished into a highly profitable enterprise.
King Ranch remains family owned and operated today. The Kleberg family has owned and managed King Ranch since Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr. married Alice Gertrudis King, Captain Richard King’s daughter, in 1886. They have diversified operations to include farming, oil and gas production, recreation services for hunting and corporate events, and more while still maintaining a major cattle ranching operation.
How King Ranch Chicken Casserole Was Created
The recipe for King Ranch chicken casserole is credited to the home demonstration agents of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in the 1960s. These Extension agents often developed recipes using common agricultural products to promote cooking with local ingredients. The dish was likely created by an Extension agent assigned to King Ranch.
While the original creator is unknown, the recipe was first featured in a pamphlet published by the Extension Service titled “A Fiesta of Texas Recipes” in 1969. This pamphlet focused on Tex-Mex recipes using Texas-grown ingredients like chicken, peppers, onions, and corn tortillas.
The King Ranch name was associated with the recipe to reflect its South Texas roots. While not created by the King family themselves, the dish paid homage to the legendary King Ranch where the recipe was conceived.
The pamphlet described the casserole as “an easy company casserole that boasts a fiesta of flavors.” Calling for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and tortilla chips, the recipe was an instant hit at potlucks and gatherings across Texas.
The Rise in Popularity of King Ranch Chicken
While created in the 60s, King Ranch chicken casserole rose to mass popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Some key factors that led to its widespread appeal:
- Inclusion in community cookbooks: Recipes for King Ranch chicken were frequently included in locally published cookbooks during this time period, spreading awareness beyond Texas.
- National media attention: The dish received national attention through features in women’s magazines and on cooking shows on channels like PBS.
- Rise of Tex-Mex cuisine: Tex-Mex flavors grew in popularity nationwide during the 70s and 80s, boosting interest in dishes like King Ranch chicken.
- Convenient ingredients: Ingredients like canned soup, chicken breasts, tortilla chips, etc. made preparing King Ranch chicken simple and approachable for home cooks.
- Versatility: The basic recipe for King Ranch chicken was adaptable to include different ingredients, allowing home cooks to customize it to their tastes.
By the 1990s, King Ranch chicken had firmly cemented itself as a beloved staple of potlucks, church gatherings, family reunions, and more across the South and beyond. Its convenience, creamy comfort, and bold Tex-Mex flavors made it a hit nationwide.
Unique Aspects of King Ranch Chicken
So what makes King Ranch chicken so special and worthy of its popular reputation? A few stand-out qualities:
Blend of Flavors
King Ranch chicken combines the savory flavors of chicken, onions, peppers, and cheese with the spice of peppers and chilies and the bright, starchy crunch of tortilla chips. This produces a one-of-a-kind medley of tastes and textures that sets it apart from other casseroles. The creaminess from ingredients like chicken soup and cheese balances out the zip and texture from the spices, veggies, and tortilla chips.
Simple Ingredients
Part of the widespread appeal of King Ranch chicken is that most of the ingredients are simple kitchen staples:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Onion and bell peppers: Common aromatics
- Cream of chicken soup: Pantry staple
- Spices and seasonings: Cumin, garlic, pepper
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack
- Tortilla chips: Mass-produced snack item
Home cooks likely already have most or all of these ingredients on hand in their kitchens. Canned soup in particular makes preparation a breeze. This convenience and familiarity of ingredients contributed to it becoming a popular potluck and family meal.
Ease of Customization
One final aspect that adds to King Ranch chicken’s versatility is how easy it is to customize and adapt. Home cooks can adjust the spice level by using different types of peppers and amounts of spices. They can use their favorite cheese variety or switch up the protein to use turkey or plant-based meat. Veggies like corn and black beans can be mixed in or used as toppings. The basic formula accepts these creative spins seamlessly, which is why you can find so many variations today.
How to Make Classic King Ranch Chicken
If you want to experience the traditional flavors of King Ranch chicken, here is a classic recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 8 ounces tortilla chips, crushed
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion and bell pepper 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, cook chicken until no longer pink, either stove-top or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if starting from raw. Shred or cube chicken.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, sautéed onion and pepper, tomatoes and chilies, soup, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread half the chicken mixture in prepared baking dish. Top with 4 ounces of shredded cheese and half the tortilla chips.
Repeat layers with remaining chicken mixture, cheese, and tortilla chips. - Bake 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
This traditional recipe delivers the classic medley of flavors that made King Ranch chicken famous. For extra spice, use hot green chilies and pepper jack cheese. Serve it up at your next gathering to deliver a true taste of Texas!
Variations on King Ranch Chicken
One of the great things about King Ranch chicken is all the delicious adaptations home cooks have come up with over the years. Try one of these tasty variations for new twists on the Tex-Mex classic:
King Ranch Chicken with Black Beans and Corn
Adding beans and corn boosts fiber and gives fun, fresh texture. Just stir 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained, into the chicken mixture before baking.
Creamy Green Chile King Ranch Chicken
For extra creaminess and spice, use Cream of Celery soup instead of Chicken and stir in 1 (4-ounce) can diced Hatch green chilies. Top with Monterey Jack cheese.
King Ranch Chicken with Bacon
Cook 4 slices bacon, crumble, and sprinkle over the casserole along with the cheese for delicious crunch and smokiness.
King Ranch Chicken Potato Skins
Scoop mashed potatoes into a baking dish and press down to create a crust. Fill with King Ranch Chicken mixture and cheese then bake.
King Ranch Chicken Soup
Transform it into a hearty soup by thinning out the mixture with chicken broth and simmering with cubed potatoes. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about King Ranch, its history, and making the famous chicken casserole:
Where is King Ranch located?
King Ranch is located in South Texas between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Its main headquarters are in Kingsville, Texas. The ranch spans portions of Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties.
Who owns King Ranch today?
King Ranch remains under the ownership of the Kleberg family. Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr. married the founder’s daughter in 1886, bringing Kleberg into the King family. The ranch has passed down through generations of their descendants ever since.
What ingredients are in traditional King Ranch chicken?
The classic recipe calls for chicken, onion, bell pepper, cream of chicken soup, spices like cumin and garlic, Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream for extra creaminess.
What type of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture. Breasts stay a bit more tender. Either way, cube or shred the cooked chicken before assembling.
Can I prepare King Ranch chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate unbaked. Add 15-20 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I freeze King Ranch chicken?
Fully baked casseroles can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven.
What is the difference between King Ranch chicken and chicken enchiladas?
Enchiladas are stuffed with chicken and other fillings then rolled up in tortillas and baked with sauce on top. King Ranch chicken is layered rather than rolled and does not use enchilada sauce, relying on cream of chicken soup for moisture instead.
Should King Ranch chicken be crispy on top?
Yes, the top should be lightly browned and crispy from the tortilla chips. If your casserole is not getting crispy enough, spray some oil on top of the tortilla layer before baking.
How can I customize my King Ranch chicken recipe?
There are endless ways to adapt King Ranch chicken! Try different chilies, cheeses, and toppings like bacon, beans, or corn. Switch up spices, meats, or use alternate soups or sauces.
The Legacy of King Ranch Chicken
While its origins are rooted in the ranching culture of South Texas, King Ranch chicken has become a beloved national staple thanks to its flavorful fusion of Tex-Mex tastes and hearty, comforting ingredients. This casserole has graced potlucks and dinner tables for over 50 years and is sure to remain popular for generations to come. Whip up a batch and enjoy a savory bite of Texas heritage.