George Strait'S King Ranch Chicken
George Strait's King Ranch Chicken is a hearty casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful beans, and spicy tomatoes, topped with melted cheese. Its rich, savory flavors make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting taste of Texas with a touch of spice and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chiles ⓘ
- 4 chicken breast halves, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) package corn tortillas, cut into 6 pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery with leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- Ham bone or bacon drippings (if available) ⓘ
- 1 pound large smoked link sausage, sliced ⓘ
- Salt, freshly ground pepper, fresh garlic, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, thyme, and/or oregano (optional seasonings) ⓘ
- Chopped green onion, jalapeno slices, grated sharp Cheddar cheese, hot sauce (optional toppings) ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak dried red kidney beans in water overnight or use the short soak method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes, then turn off heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.
- In a large pot, cook chopped onions, chopped celery with leaves, and chopped green bell pepper in ham bone or bacon drippings until tender.
- Add crushed garlic cloves and sliced smoked sausage, cook until fragrant and browned.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chiles.
- Drain soaked beans and add to the mixture, simmer until beans are tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook chicken breasts in boiling water until done, then shred the meat.
- Add shredded chicken to the bean and vegetable mixture, season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and herbs as desired.
- Cut corn tortillas into 6 pieces and layer half in a greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the chicken and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onion, jalapeno slices, additional cheese, and hot sauce if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, use canned kidney beans instead of dried. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding extra jalapenos or using a spicier variety of Ro-Tel. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings to your preference, adding salt and pepper gradually.
Serving Suggestions
Serve King Ranch Chicken with a side of Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup for a comforting meal. A simple green salad or cornbread can also complement this dish wonderfully. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or additional jalapeno slices for added flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover King Ranch Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of George Strait'S King Ranch Chicken contains roughly 620 calories, with 24g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers of King Ranch Chicken ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken and sausage with a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding beans for protein. The cream soups can be substituted with plant-based versions to make it fully vegetarian.
What can I do if I don't have Ro-Tel tomatoes?
If you don’t have Ro-Tel on hand, you can use a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles or simply diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of hot sauce or chili powder for heat. This will still provide a similar flavor profile and keep your dish delicious.
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).