19 Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Southern Living Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Welcome to the South, where delicious and comforting meals reign supreme. One dish in particular stands out among the rest - the light King Ranch chicken casserole. This classic Southern dish is a staple in many homes, and for good reason. With its creamy, cheesy layers and bold flavors, it's a crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this beloved dish and share a southern living twist on the traditional recipe that will have your taste buds singing.
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken, Lime Juice, Ancho Chile
Take your classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole to the next level with this slightly fancy-pants version. Made with tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to impress your dinner guests. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Onion, Green Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Chicken, Cream Of
This classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe is a staple in many Southern homes. The layers of tender chicken, corn tortillas, and a creamy sauce make for a hearty and delicious meal. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced green chilies, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of diced onion. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Mexican King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Tortillas, Cream Of Chicken Soup, Cream
Put a Mexican twist on the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole with this recipe. The addition of black beans, corn, and 1 can of diced green chilies gives this casserole a delicious kick. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of frozen corn, and 1 can of diced tomatoes. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Healthy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Bell Pepper, White Mushrooms
Looking for a healthier version of the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole? Look no further. This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole wheat tortillas for a lighter, but still delicious, option. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of frozen corn, and 1 can of diced tomatoes. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole I
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Tortilla Chips, Diced Tomatoes, Condensed
This is a simple and delicious version of the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole. The 1 can of diced green chilies adds a nice kick to the dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced green chilies, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This Southern-style smothered chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, 1/2 cup of chopped carrots, and 1/2 cup of chopped onion. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed crackers and melted butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole!
Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Butter, Minced Garlic, Onion, Red Bell
It doesn't get much easier than this 5-ingredient King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Simply layer shredded chicken, 1 can of diced green chilies, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and shredded cheese in a casserole dish. Top with crushed tortilla chips and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
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Spicy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Cream Of
If you like a little heat in your dishes, this Spicy King Ranch Chicken Casserole is for you. The addition of 1 can of diced jalapenos gives this casserole a nice kick. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced jalapenos, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Tortilla Chips, Cooked Chicken, Diced Tomatoes With
This delicious King Ranch Chicken Casserole can be made in your crock pot for an easy and flavorful meal. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can of drained and rinsed corn, and 1 can of diced green chilies. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in your crock pot, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
This classic Southern dish is comfort food at its finest. In a large pot, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped onion. Add in 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 can of drained and rinsed peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Prepare a batch of dumplings by mixing together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add in 1 cup of milk until a dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot and let cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
No list of Southern chicken recipes would be complete without fried chicken. In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. In a separate dish, beat 2 eggs. Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole III
Main Ingredients: Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Condensed Cream Of
This version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole uses 1 can of diced green chilies and 1 cup of salsa to give it a delicious Mexican flair. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of diced green chilies, 1 cup of salsa, and 1/2 cup of diced onion. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Ultimate King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Store Bought Low Sodium Chicken Broth
This ultimate version of King Ranch Chicken Casserole is loaded with flavor and texture. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of frozen corn, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Layer the chicken mixture and the sauce in a casserole dish, and top with crushed tortilla chips, crushed Ritz crackers, and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try. In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. In a separate dish, beat 2 eggs. Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any chicken recipe. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crumbled cornbread, 2 cups of crumbled biscuits, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 cup of diced celery, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of milk. Pour the mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir until well combined. Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
The Origins of King Ranch Chicken Casserole
The History of the Dish
The origins of King Ranch chicken casserole can be traced back to the famous King Ranch in Texas. This ranch, which spans over 825,000 acres, is known for its rich history and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Legend has it that the wife of the ranch's owner, Mrs. King, created this dish in the 1950s when she needed to feed a large group of ranch hands. She combined layers of tortillas, chicken, and a creamy sauce to create the now-iconic casserole. From then on, the dish became a staple in Southern households and has been passed down through generations.
The Traditional Recipe
The traditional King Ranch chicken casserole is made with layers of tortillas, chicken, a creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese. While this recipe is undoubtedly delicious, it can also be quite heavy and calorie-dense. That's why we've put a light spin on this classic dish, without sacrificing any of the flavors.
Our Light and Healthy Twist
Using Leaner Proteins
To make our light King Ranch chicken casserole, we've swapped out the traditional chicken for leaner proteins such as ground turkey or shredded chicken breast. These alternatives are lower in fat and calories, making the dish a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Incorporating Veggies
We've also added a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and corn to the dish. These not only add a pop of color but also provide additional nutrients and fiber to the meal.
Using Low-Fat Dairy
Instead of using full-fat cheese and sour cream, we've opted for low-fat options to reduce the calorie content of the dish. However, we still get that creamy and cheesy texture that is essential to a southern living casserole.
In Conclusion
Our light King Ranch chicken casserole is a delicious and healthier take on the traditional dish. Packed with lean proteins, colorful veggies, and low-fat dairy, it's a guilt-free meal that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Impress your friends and family with this southern living recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
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