Sizzling Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

King ranch chicken simmers with Texan-inspired flavors that instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Hearty layers of tortillas, creamy sauce, and tender chicken create a remarkable casserole.

Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick to this beloved Southwestern classic.

Comfort food enthusiasts adore this one-pot wonder that simplifies mealtime preparation.

Cheesy, spicy, and deeply satisfying, the dish promises to become a household favorite.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each mouthwatering bite of this legendary recipe.

Prepare to experience a true culinary celebration that brings warmth and joy to your dinner plate.

Delicious Variations Of Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace taco seasoning with hot chili powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breast or lean pork loin for a different protein profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip tortilla pieces and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for fewer carbohydrates.

Best Pairings With Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Margarita: A zesty lime margarita cuts through the rich, creamy chicken, balancing the dish's bold flavors with its tangy and refreshing profile.
• Complement with Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant side dish adds a crunchy texture and bright, citrusy notes that enhance the slow cooker chicken's creamy, spicy essence.
• Match with Cilantro-Lime Rice: The herb-infused rice provides a light, fresh counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy chicken, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal combination.
• Serve with Chilled Cerveza: A cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo helps cleanse the palate and provides a crisp contrast to the dish's warm, comforting flavors.

How To Store Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chicken mixture into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

FAQs About Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• What makes the taco chicken casserole different from traditional chicken tacos?

This dish combines the flavors of tacos with a creamy, comforting casserole style, creating a more hearty and rich meal that can be easily served in one pot.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but you can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot green chili tomatoes or adding additional taco seasoning.

Why Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Is A Comfort Favorite

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the spice level and ingredients to suit family preferences, making it a versatile meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Dump, stir, and walk away – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple kitchen techniques that even novice cooks can master.
• One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and rich sauce in a single dish, reducing cleanup and providing a complete meal without multiple cooking steps.

What Goes In Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that serves as the primary component of this hearty slow cooker dish.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that add texture and traditional Mexican flavor to the recipe.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that provide depth of flavor and additional texture to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Cumin: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste profile with warm, savory notes.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquid base that creates a rich, smooth sauce for the chicken.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that contribute to the creamy and luxurious texture of the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a sharp, tangy topping and additional richness.
• Taco Seasoning, Black Pepper: Spice blend and seasoning that brings zesty flavor to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle flavor.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Season Chicken Breasts

Grab your chicken breasts and generously coat them with zesty taco seasoning. Make sure every inch of the chicken is covered for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Create Slow Cooker Base

Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to your slow cooker, creating an even layer that will become the foundation of your delicious meal.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Over the chicken, distributing them evenly for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Black pepper

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Pour and Cover

Pour the luxurious sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every morsel gets a perfect coating.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender.

Step 8: Shred and Return

Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat back into the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 9: Add Tortilla Layers

Tear tortilla pieces and gently fold them throughout the chicken mixture, creating delightful texture and absorbing all the amazing flavors.

Step 10: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out steaming portions directly from the slow cooker. Each serving should have a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.

Tips For Cooking Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken

• Seal in Flavor: Sear chicken breasts thoroughly to lock in juices and create a golden, flavorful exterior before slow cooking.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning amount or use a mild version for less heat, perfect for sensitive palates.
• Prevent Dairy Separation: Whisk cream-based ingredients slowly and at room temperature to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Texture Trick: Add tortilla pieces near the end of cooking to prevent soggy texture and maintain slight crispness.
• Enhance Creaminess: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option that still provides rich, velvety consistency.

Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

King ranch chicken simmers with Tex-Mex comfort, blending creamy layers of tortillas, tender chicken, and zesty spices. Hearty casserole magic emerges from your slow cooker, promising a soul-warming meal that delights family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Pantry and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 tortillas, corn or flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by seasoning them with taco seasoning, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, creating an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
4. Sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers over the chicken, distributing them evenly.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
8. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the sauce.
9. Layer torn tortilla pieces throughout the chicken mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on.
11. Serve hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion has a mix of chicken, sauce, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to help taco seasoning adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result, as they have higher fat content and resist drying out.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Customize heat level by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies, or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg