King Ranch chicken

King Ranch Chicken is a popular casserole dish from the United States, specifically from the state of Texas. The dish is named after the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States, though the exact origins of the name are unclear as the ranch itself does not claim any connection to the dish.

Ingredients and Preparation

King Ranch Chicken is typically made with chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, tortillas, and cheese. The ingredients are layered in a casserole dish and baked in an oven. Variations of the recipe may include additional ingredients such as jalapenos, green chilies, or black olives.

History

The origins of King Ranch Chicken are somewhat unclear, with no definitive answer as to why it carries the name of the King Ranch. Some theories suggest that the dish was named for the ranch due to its size and the hearty nature of the casserole, which could feed many people, much like the large number of workers at the ranch. However, the King Ranch has never claimed any connection to the dish.

In Popular Culture

King Ranch Chicken has been featured in numerous cookbooks and cooking shows, and is a popular dish for potlucks and family gatherings in Texas. It is often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine, although it does not have any clear Mexican origins.

See Also

• Tex-Mex
• Casserole
• King Ranch (Texas)