Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simplified King Ranch Chicken recipe! This classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade meal. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe delivers big on taste without the fuss. It's one of those easy recipes that feels incredibly satisfying, a true champion among quick dinner ideas. Let's get started on this journey to deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the corn tortilla strips, followed by half of the cooked chicken, and then half of the cheese. Pour half of the soup mixture over the cheese. Repeat the layers: remaining tortilla strips, remaining chicken, remaining cheese, and remaining soup mixture.
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Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This makes for a perfect healthy meal and is a great example of delicious dishes made easy.
Cooking Tips for the Best King Ranch Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this will result in steaming rather than browning. Work in batches if necessary.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dish, omit it altogether. Feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or oregano.
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for a more vibrant flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Variations:
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different tortillas: Try using flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a different texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Easy King Ranch Chicken recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals don't have to be complicated. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both satisfying and simple. Enjoy this fantastic food recipe and share your culinary creations with us!