Pioneer Woman Casseroles

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman

8 months ago
Read Time: 4 minutes
by Emily
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman is a classic comfort food dish that originated in Texas and is named after the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States. This casserole is made with diced chicken, canned tomatoes, green chiles, and tortillas, and is seasoned with cumin and chili powder before being topped with a creamy cheese sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.

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Why You Will Love This King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman

There are many reasons why you will love this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe from the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Some of the reasons include:

It is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

It is easy to make and requires minimal prep time.
It is made with simple, affordable ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.
It is a one-dish meal that is great for busy weeknights.

It is packed with flavor from the chicken, tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
It has a creamy and cheesy topping that adds richness and indulgence to the dish.
It can be customized to suit your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients.

It is a versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of side dishes or on its own.
It can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
It is sure to be a hit with the whole family and is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones.

What Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that originated in Texas and is named after the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States. It is made with diced chicken, canned tomatoes, green chiles, and tortillas, and is seasoned with cumin and chili powder before being topped with a creamy cheese sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. The casserole is typically served hot and is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, or a salad, or it can be enjoyed on its own. King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

What Is King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman Ingredients?

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
8 corn tortillas

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

How To Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Add the onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes and green chiles, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Spread half of the chicken mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with four of the tortillas, then repeat with the remaining chicken mixture and tortillas.

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Serve the casserole hot, with any desired side dishes.

Recipe Tips

Here are some tips for making the perfect King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. You can also use cooked and diced rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to add flavor.

Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and vegetables so that everything fits comfortably and cooks evenly.
Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that the casserole fits perfectly and bakes evenly.
Cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes to keep the casserole moist and prevent the cheese from burning.

Add additional vegetables, such as diced zucchini or squash, to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper Jack, for a different flavor.
Serve the casserole with a side of rice, beans, or a salad for a complete meal.

Make the casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to bake and serve it.
Enjoy leftovers the next day for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

What To Serve With King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman?

There are many side dishes that would pair well with King Ranch Chicken Casserole from the Pioneer Woman. Some options include:

Rice: Serve the casserole with a side of white, brown, or wild rice for a filling and flavorful meal.
Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans would all be delicious served alongside the casserole.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing accompaniment to the casserole.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers would add color and nutrition to the meal.
Bread: Serve the casserole with a basket of warm bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Chips and salsa: Pair the casserole with a bowl of chips and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.

Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the casserole.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes would be a delicious and indulgent side dish for the casserole.
Coleslaw: A simple coleslaw with a tangy dressing would add a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Fruit salad: A fruit salad with a mix of fresh seasonal fruit would add a touch of sweetness to the casserole.

How To Store King Ranch Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman?

Here are some tips for storing King Ranch Chicken Casserole:

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.

Place the casserole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Label the container with the date and contents, then store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Alternatively, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. To freeze, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.

To reheat the casserole, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it in a 350°F oven until it is heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

You can also microwave leftovers in 1-minute increments, stirring between each increment, until the casserole is hot.

How To Thaw King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

To thaw King Ranch Chicken Casserole, there are a few options you can try:

Place the frozen casserole in the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it. This will allow it to thaw slowly and evenly.
If you forgot to thaw the casserole in advance, you can place it in the microwave and defrost it on the “defrost” setting, or you can place it in a baking dish and bake it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until it is thawed and heated through. This will take longer than thawing in the refrigerator, but it is a convenient option if you are short on time.
You can also thaw the casserole in a bowl of cold water. Simply place the frozen casserole in a bowl of cold water and allow it to thaw for about 30 minutes, or until it is no longer frozen.

Once the casserole is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is hot and bubbly. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer to ensure that it is heated to at least 165°F before serving.

How To Reheat King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

In The Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil.
Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through.
Check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer to ensure that it is heated to at least 165°F before serving.

In The Microwave:

Heat the casserole in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between each increment, until it is heated through.

Check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer to ensure that it is heated to at least 165°F before serving.

Be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and be careful when handling the dish as it may be hot.

FAQ Section

Can I use cooked and diced rotisserie chicken to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can use cooked and diced rotisserie chicken to make King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Simply skip the step of cooking the diced chicken in the skillet and use the cooked and diced rotisserie chicken in its place.

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make King Ranch Chicken Casserole in a slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make King Ranch Chicken Casserole in an Instant Pot. Add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cook on the soup setting for 20-30 minutes.

How do I make a vegetarian version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole?

To make a vegetarian version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you can omit the chicken and substitute an equal amount of diced vegetables such as zucchini, squash, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

To make King Ranch Chicken Casserole gluten-free, you can use gluten-free corn tortillas or omit the tortillas altogether and use a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken the sauce. You should also be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check the labels of any other ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free.

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