The Original Rotel King Ranch Chicken Recipe: A Southern Classic

If you're a fan of hearty, comforting casseroles with a bit of a kick, then the original Rotel King Ranch Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Originating from the Lone Star State, this Tex-Mex-inspired dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a flavor-packed meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family's hunger on a cozy night in. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this iconic Southern dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

original rotel king ranch chicken recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened.
3. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Layer half of the tortilla strips over the soup mixture, followed by half of the chicken mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of shredded cheese on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Allow the King Ranch Chicken to cool for a few minutes before serving.

original rotel king ranch chicken recipe

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and color.
• Serve with a side of rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking for easy meal prep.

Whether you're hosting a casual gathering with friends or simply craving a comforting meal that's bursting with flavor, the original Rotel King Ranch Chicken recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and see why it's a beloved favorite across the Southern United States!