By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 14, 2023 | Last Updated on March 23, 2024
If you are looking for a delicious comfort food casserole that packs in all the flavors of a King Ranch dish, then you’ll love this Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and super easy to make.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to whip up something comforting for yourself, this is the perfect recipe for any night of the week.
In this article, you will learn about what is pioneer woman king ranch casserole, how to make it, nutrition information, and some tips.
What Is Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole?
Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole is a classic casserole dish that combines chicken, cheese, tortillas, and Mexican spices.
It is often served as a main course with sides of rice or beans. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrition and can easily be made ahead of time before baking for an easy weeknight dinner.
Want more Casserole Recipes? Check them out!
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- Paula Deen’s Chicken And Rice Casserole
- Buttery Breakfast Casserole
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Where Did I First Try pioneer woman king ranch casserole?
I first tried the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole last week. A friend of mine had made it and served it for dinner, and I was immediately hooked. The perfect recipe was at Ree Drummond’s website, The Pioneer Woman. I have been making it ever since and it remains my go-to comfort food casserole that everyone loves.
However, this dish has a few different variations and each one is delicious. You can make it with ground beef instead of chicken, for example, or you can add a layer of enchilada sauce to give the dish some added kick.
Furthermore, you can also add additional vegetables like corn or black beans for a more nutritious version. Plus, you can always change up the cheese blend to add different flavors.
Nowadays, I usually make the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole whenever I have family or friends over for a get-together. It is always a hit and it’s so easy to prepare that it truly takes the stress out of entertaining.
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Ingredients
- Shredded chicken thighs: You will need fresh chicken thighs that are cooked and shredded for this recipe.
- Mexican cheese blend: Use a Mexican cheese blend for the best flavor. Moreover, it is advisable to use freshly grated cheese for the best results.
- Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are used in King Ranch casserole and give them a unique flavor. For this recipe, you will need 12 ounces of corn tortillas.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is required for the cooking process as this gives a nice flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Onions are a must for this recipe. They will need to be diced into small pieces and sautéed until transparent.
- Bell pepper: Bell peppers add a nice crunchy texture to the casserole and also give it a subtle sweetness.
- Chili powder, cumin, and garlic cloves: These spices bring a delicious flavor to the casserole.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds a creamy texture to the dish and helps hold all of the ingredients together.
- Jarred salsa: Jarred salsa gives this recipe some heat and additional flavor. You will need 16 ounces for this recipe.
- Green chiles: Green chiles are used in this recipe for a slight kick of heat.
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a nice herbal flavor and is optional in the recipe.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 2
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. To the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is transparent.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, onion mixture, sour cream, salsa, green chiles, and cilantro. Mix well to combine.
Step 4
Pour the chicken mixture, Mexican cheese blend, and corn tortillas (torn into small pieces) into a 9×13-inch baking dish layer by layer. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5
Serve warm with desired toppings.
Cooking Tips
• Make sure to cook the chicken thighs until they are cooked through before shredding them.
• If you want to save time, purchase pre-shredded chicken from the store instead of cooking it yourself.
• When layering the ingredients, it is important to layer them evenly so that they will cook through properly.
• To keep the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole from becoming soggy, make sure to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
If you don’t have any of the ingredients listed, you can substitute or replace them with other options. For example, instead of chicken thighs, you can use ground beef or pork.
You can also switch up the peppers by using poblano or jalapeno peppers in place of bell pepper. Instead of jarred salsa, you can use fresh tomatoes and diced chiles.
Additionally, if you don’t have any Mexican cheese blend, you can use a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Finally, for the cilantro, you can use parsley or even spinach as a substitution.
Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- bowls
- spoon
Ingredients
- 7.5 soft and pliable corn tortillas providing the perfect base for layering the delicious ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoky Chili powder adding a touch of heat and depth to the flavors.
- 1/2 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil adding a subtle hint of fruitiness to the dish.
- 1/2 large onion finely diced to infuse a sweet and aromatic taste into the overall flavor profile.
- 8 oz smooth and creamy Sour cream providing a velvety and tangy element to the final dish.
- 6 oz flavorful and melty Mexican cheese blend creating a rich and cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
- 2.25 oz mild and flavorful Green chiles offering a subtle heat and a hint of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromatic Cumin imparting a warm and earthy note to the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh and fragrant Cilantro finely chopped to add a pop of freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 2 cups tender and succulent Chicken thighs cooked to perfection, adding a savory and juicy flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves minced to release their pungent yet delightful aroma.
- 8 oz Jarred salsa bursting with vibrant tomatoes and spices, adding a zesty kick to the overall taste.
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper vibrant and crisp, lending a subtle tanginess to the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. To the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is transparent.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, onion mixture, sour cream, salsa, green chiles, and cilantro. Mix well to combine.
- Pour the chicken mixture, Mexican cheese blend, and corn tortillas (torn into small pieces) into a 9×13-inch baking dish layer by layer. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the chicken thighs until they are cooked through before shredding them.
- If you want to save time, purchase pre-shredded chicken from the store instead of cooking it yourself.
- When layering the ingredients, it is important to layer them evenly so that they will cook through properly.
- To keep the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole from becoming soggy, make sure to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Nutritional Value
One serving of Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole contains:
326,7 calories,
23.6 g of fat,
25.7 g of carbohydrates,
19.4 g of protein,
11.8g of dietary fiber and
994mg of sodium.
How to Store Leftover pioneer woman king ranch casserole?
Any leftover Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to three days when kept this way. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
You can freeze this dish for up to three months. To do so, cool the casserole completely and place it in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole as long as it is cooked through before consumption. Indeed, it is an excellent source of protein.
Can it be made vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken with your favorite vegan protein such as tempeh or tofu. Additionally, you can use vegan cheese to replace dairy cheese and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, make sure to double check the ingredients in your jarred salsa to ensure that it is certified gluten-free. Additionally, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to ensure to double-check that the dish is completely gluten-free.
What are some ways I can add more nutrients to this recipe?
You can add more nutrients to this dish by adding additional vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or spinach. You can also try using brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
Wrapping Up
So, tell us what you are thinking about the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole! It is an easy-to-make dish that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With this recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine without having to leave your home.
The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is simply irresistible! What’s more, the nutrition profile is quite impressive as well.
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, then look no further than the Pioneer Woman King Ranch Casserole. Give this recipe a try today!
Kindly share this recipe with friends and family. Thank you.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
