Chicken Ranch
A rich and creamy chicken dish with flavorful tomatoes, green chilies, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken (whole or parts to equal) ⓘ
- margarine ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 (15 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 package flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pitted black olives, chopped or sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Boil chicken pieces until done; skin and bone, then cube or shred the meat.
- Save the chicken stock in the pot.
- In a large skillet, melt margarine and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and Ro-Tel tomatoes to the skillet; mix well.
- Stir in sour cream, chopped whole tomatoes, chopped green chilies, chopped black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Simmer the mixture until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Warm flour tortillas separately.
- Serve the chicken mixture wrapped in tortillas or over rice, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups with homemade versions or other cream soups, like artichoke cream soup. If you prefer, add some jalapenos for a kick, reminiscent of Chicken Jalapeno. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious served in warm tortillas, but you can also serve it over rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or some sautéed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a fun twist, try serving alongside Chicken And Dressing(Quick, Easy And Good) for a comforting meal that's sure to please.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ranch contains roughly 1243 calories, with 23g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2011mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and warm the tortillas separately. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of tortillas?
If you're looking for alternatives to tortillas, consider serving the chicken mixture over rice or inside baked potatoes. You can also use pita bread or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Absolutely! The chicken mixture freezes well. Just cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).