Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with irresistible cheesy goodness? Look no further than this Hot King Ranch Chicken recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! This crowd-pleasing casserole is packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty green chilies, and layers of melted cheese that create a culinary experience you won't soon forget. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Hot King Ranch Chicken cooks evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This will add flavor to your dish.
- Once the onions are cooked, add them to the chicken mixture and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the corn tortillas. If you prefer a softer texture, you can warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until pliable.
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer 4 corn tortillas over the chicken mixture, covering the bottom of the dish. You can tear the tortillas if necessary to fit them properly.
- Spread half of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 corn tortillas, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture, and then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve your Hot King Ranch Chicken warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker and more flavorful preparation.
- For extra crispiness, briefly toast the corn tortillas in a dry skillet before layering.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added flavor.
- Make sure to let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- This dish freezes beautifully - prepare two and save one for later!
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning.
- Serve with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a side of Mexican rice to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
