Texan Comfort Casserole: King Ranch Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Texas with this King Ranch Chicken Delight, a comforting casserole that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. This recipe, passed down from a talented caterer in Humble, Texas, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or family meal. Tender, shredded chicken smothered in a creamy, savory sauce is layered over crunchy tortilla chips, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Topped with melty cheese and a sprinkle of black olives, this dish brings a taste of the Lone Star State right to your dinner table. For a low-carb option, simply swap out traditional chips for low-carb tortilla alternatives. Whether served on a chilly weeknight or during festive get-togethers, this casserole will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (cooked and shredded)
condensed cream of chicken soup
10.5 ounces (canned)
sour cream
8 ounces (none)
medium heat salsa
1 cup (preferably Pace)
evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream
5 ounces (canned or fresh)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 pound (divided)
sliced black olives
5 ounces (canned)
Tostitos gold yellow corn chips
12 ounces (bag)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13" x 9" x 2" casserole dish.
2
In the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, create an even layer using half of the bag of Tostitos chips.
3
Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the layer of chips.
4
Sprinkle half of the shredded colby-monterey jack cheese over the chicken layer.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the medium salsa, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk (or heavy whipping cream), and sliced black olives. Stir until well combined.
6
Pour the sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
7
Top with the remaining shredded cheese, covering the sauce completely.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top. Check the casserole around the 15-minute mark; if it's browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
31.25g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texan Comfort Casserole: King Ranch Chicken Delight?
It is a rich and hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring shredded chicken, a creamy sauce, corn chips, and melted cheese, originating from a caterer in Humble, Texas.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before assembly?
The chicken should be cooked and shredded before being layered into the casserole.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup is used.
How much sour cream is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of sour cream.
What kind of salsa is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of medium heat salsa, preferably Pace brand.
Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can use either 5 ounces of evaporated milk or 5 ounces of heavy whipping cream.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe recommends 1 pound of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
Are black olives included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 5 ounces of canned sliced black olives.
What kind of chips are used for the base?
The recipe specifies a 12-ounce bag of Tostitos gold yellow corn chips.
How do I make a low-carb version of this dish?
To make it low-carb, swap out the traditional corn chips for low-carb tortilla alternatives.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 13x9x2 inch casserole dish.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer half the chips, then the shredded chicken, half the cheese, the mixed sauce, and finally the remaining cheese.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce consists of salsa, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk or cream, and sliced black olives.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes about 1 hour in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown.
What should I do if the cheese is browning too quickly?
If it browns too fast, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 450 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 31.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
Each serving provides 27.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 27.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the dish before adding any ingredients.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Does the cheese need to be divided during assembly?
Yes, half is sprinkled over the chicken layer and the other half is used to top the sauce.
When should I check the casserole during baking?
Check it around the 15-minute mark to see if it is browning too quickly.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set.
Is this recipe suitable for family meals?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and ideal for family gatherings or festive get-togethers.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a casserole, comfort food, and Tex-Mex dish.
Is the salsa heat level flexible?
The recipe specifically calls for medium heat salsa for a balanced flavor.
Can I use fresh milk instead of canned?
The recipe allows for either canned evaporated milk or fresh heavy whipping cream.