Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole: Ultimate King Ranch Delight

King Ranch Casserole Recipe

Overview:

Indulge in the savory flavors of the Southwest with this delightful King Ranch Casserole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this Tex-Mex-inspired dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Layers of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty spices meld together with gooey cheese, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hearty casserole and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Southwestern United States.

Recipe Information:

• Name: King Ranch Casserole
• Category: One Dish Meal
• Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., < 60 Mins, Oven
• Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 299.4
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
• Review Count: 52

Ingredients:

• 1 onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 can green chilies
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 12 corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic, and celery until they are tender and fragrant.

3. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the green chilies, chili powder, and chicken broth, along with any additional desired seasonings, to the sautéed vegetables.

4. Layer Tortillas: Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with strips of corn tortillas, creating a solid base for your casserole.

5. Assemble First Layer: Spread half of the cooked and shredded chicken evenly over the layer of tortillas in the baking pan. Then, pour half of the vegetable and sauce mixture over the chicken layer, ensuring even coverage.

6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce layer, allowing it to melt and blend with the other ingredients as it bakes.

7. Repeat Layers: Create a second layer by repeating the process: layering corn tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese.

8. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.

9. Serve: Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

10. Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this King Ranch Casserole with your friends and family!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 299.4
• Fat: 7.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.6g
• Cholesterol: 15.9mg
• Sodium: 557.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 36.9g
  • Fiber: 6.7g
  • Sugar: 7.8g
• Protein: 23.9g

Tips and Tricks:

• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

• Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables like corn or black beans for added texture and flavor, or adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies.

• Leftovers: This King Ranch Casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.

• Serve with Sides: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, Spanish rice, or homemade guacamole for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

With its hearty layers of chicken, vegetables, and cheese, this King Ranch Casserole is a true Tex-Mex masterpiece that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving a cozy and comforting meal, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the bold and delicious flavors of the Southwest with every bite!