Claudine'S King Ranch Chicken
Creamy, cheesy King Ranch Chicken combines tender chicken, green chilies, and tortillas for a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large fryer chicken, stewed, boned and cut in pieces ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can crushed tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine condensed soups, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Set aside.
- Oil a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Layer half of the tortillas, half of the cooked chicken pieces, half of the chopped onion and bell pepper, and half of the grated Cheddar cheese in the casserole.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over these layers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken, onion, bell pepper, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with chili powder and garlic salt.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the soup mixture. If you want to spice things up, use spicy diced tomatoes or add jalapeños. You can substitute the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different flavor or use a gluten-free alternative if needed. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of stewing your own.
Serving Suggestions
This King Ranch Chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. Consider serving with some warm tortillas on the side to scoop up the casserole. For a festive touch, add a side of guacamole or salsa to complement the flavors. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Claudine'S King Ranch Chicken contains roughly 1038 calories, with 36g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1766mg per serving (77% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy evenings or special occasions.
Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different cheese, Monterey Jack is a great substitute for a milder flavor. For a more tangy option, try using Pepper Jack cheese to add some spice. Alternatively, a blend of Mexican cheeses can enhance the dish with a variety of flavors.
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).