Casseroles. Being half Scandahoovian I have my soft spot for them, having helped my Mom carry one off to the Lutheran church suppers many, many times. Some casseroles are mundane, nothing more than the bastardized offspring of a can of cream of cluck and some leftover meat (and often with some peas, but for the sake of my friend Old NFO, I won't go into detail about those). Some casseroles have become legend. At least in this household.King Ranch Chicken. It's not particularly photogenic, most casseroles aren't, but I just had to share it. The origin of the name of this casserole is shrouded in a bit of mystery as the famous Texas ranch, famous for beef, not chicken, claims no relationship to the recipe.
The King Ranch, the largest that I know of in the United states, covers four Texas counties and is as large as the entire state of Rhode Island. Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, a steamboat pilot, it is still a working ranch today producing cattle and thoroughbred horses.
Though the origin of the name King Ranch chicken is a bit vague this simple casserole delivers Texas sized flavor that will make it a favorite no matter how gourmet your palate. It doesn't photograph real well but coming out of the oven. . 
. . .you will have folks lined up for a heaping plate of cheesy, gooey, tomato-y, chili and spice mixture that travels real well to a potluck (or a church supper).
Pair it up some some veggies or salad with ranch dressing (no pun intended) and some cornbread and you have yourself a dinner that would do any table proud.
20 comments:
Darn, there is another one on the list of must try recipes. Thanks!
That looks really, really good.
Yes, the King Ranch is a fair sized spread.
The only thing better than a casserole is left over casserole at lunch the next day....
I just came in from a quick drive across town in our minus 15 wind chill, to read of your fresh-from-the-oven casserole and corn bread. A perfect antidote to the cold.
Looks wonderful! I love the history!! I am from Texas have never heard of King Ranch, but have made King Ranch Chicken a million times! Next I bring it somewhere I am givin a history lesson as well! Haha! Thanks!
Now ya did it... sigh... Guess I'll stop by the store on the way back into town tomorrow :-) Thanks Brigid, I will DEFINITELY do this one!
There goes the diet (again)...
I think I'd be happy with a piece of that cornbread all by itself, never mind the casserole!
Jim
wouldn't that be Hotdish, don't cha know?
I'm so hungry now.
For the record, they also produce Quarter Horses
Now that is what I'm talkin about, what time is dinner?
Yesssss...Mrs Renfro's Salsa.
I especially enjoy the Habanero Salsa, YUM!!!!!
Bob
III
That looks sooo do-able, Brigid. Thanks
Oh my that sounds good! It goes on the must try list for the near future.
There you go, making me hungry again.
Mmmmm.... Cornbread!
Mmmmm.... Casserole!
Oh yum! So what time is dinner? :D
When a person reads your blog and see's your photography of your food, how can there be a "diet?" I mean, seriously?!
It's good and it's easy to make. Adjust the heat by the level of heat of the salsa.
MoBro - Diet has the word "die" in it. That should tell you something. Seriously, there are many meals that are just salad or fruit or some veggies with a dab of jalapeno ranch dip. I can't eat like this every night.
that looks MIGHTY tasty...I see a trial version in the NEAR future.
Thanks Brigid!
Incidentally, the King Ranch has some exceptional whitetail hunting also. The cost is somewhat North of Arm & a leg, but the deer are incredible.
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