2020 is starting out pretty well. I finally have an oven! My oven quit on me after the first time I used it, and I've
been without since July.
Now, I do have a convection oven, and it's OK for some things, but it's just not the same. Besides, I can't run it and the A/C at the same time or I trip the main breaker.
I went in to the dealership right after the first to get some warranty items taken care of, and of course the oven was one of them. And now it works!
And what better way to re-christen the beast than to make one of my favorite recipes - King Ranch Chicken.
If you're from Texas, the name King Ranch is familiar, but you may have seen their brand pretty much anywhere, like on Ford Pickups or high end western wear.
King Ranch is a big operation. Begun in 1853 and covering an area larger than the state of Rhode Island, it's one of the largest ranches in the world. And it's iconic "Running W" brand is widely known.
Before you ask: I don't think the dish was invented on the ranch. Nobody seems to know where it came from and there's nothing connecting the two. And let's face it. King Ranch is a ranch. And they are known for beef, not chicken.
Anyway, this is a favorite of mine, it's easy to put together, and tastes good. Oh, and leftovers are even better!
King Ranch Chicken
2 boneless chicken breasts or 4 tenderloins
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 small onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles (I like the fire roasted)
12-14 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cover the chicken with the cumin and paprika and bake in a 350 deg oven for 30 minutes. Let cool, then chop or shred.
In a bowl, combine the soups and Ro-Tel with the chicken. Let stand for a couple of hours in the fridge.
In a large casserole, layer the chicken mixture, tortillas and cheese. Finish with a layer of tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover and bake at 325 for 30 minutes, then uncover and cook for 30 minutes more.
And of course, there's a side note: How do you fit a round tortilla in a square casserole? There's lots of ways, but I like to keep it simple. Cut them in half, then arrange them with the straight edge facing out, overlapping the rounded side to make a consistent cover.
I haven't been to the ranch yet, but it's on my list. It's kinda hard to miss. If you've ever been south of Corpus Christi, you've probably driven on King Land.
I've been less than consistent lately with my missives. The holidays hit a little harder than I had expected. I really started missing Kathy, and it kinda got me down. I'm not over it (heck, I never really will be), but it's time to get back on that horse.
I'll be back next week with new adventures. 'til then:
Later, folks.
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