Queen ranch chicken

Queen Ranch Chicken Recipe with Cheese, Tomatoes, and Corn

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Queen ranch chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful cheese, and a creamy sauce to create a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

The exact origins of Queen ranch chicken are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. This dish is a twist on traditional chicken enchiladas, with the addition of ranch seasoning and cheese to give it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) velveeta cheese, cubed
12 oz (340 g) chicken
4 tsp Lite margarine
1 onion, chopped
1 small can of green chilies, drained
14 oz (397 g) Canned Stewed tomatoes, chopped
4 tsp cornstarch
1.5 can chicken broth
4 corn tortillas
salt & pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

How to prepare

In a non-stick pan, sauté the chicken and onion in margarine until cooked through. Add cornstarch and 1 cup of broth. Cook for 5 minutes. Then, add 0.5 cup of broth, tomatoes, and green chilies. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. In a casserole dish, layer tortillas, cheese, and the chicken mixture. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Recipe by Mary Ann Houseman, WW leader.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different twist on this dish.
Add black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken and onion until they are fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the chicken from sticking.

- Layering the tortillas, cheese, and chicken mixture in the casserole dish will ensure that each bite is full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Queen ranch chicken can be served with a side of rice, beans, or a salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the chicken and onion before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Baking the casserole at a low temperature allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular butter instead of lite margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use diced tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Queen ranch chicken can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and bake when ready.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Queen ranch chicken in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Queen ranch chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Queen ranch chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

- Contains wheat (tortillas)

Summary

Queen ranch chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Summary

Queen ranch chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Queen Ranch Chicken. It was a hot summer day, just like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy farmhouse. Margaret was known far and wide for her mouthwatering dishes, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sipped on sweet tea in her sunlit kitchen, Margaret pulled out an old, weathered recipe card from a wooden recipe box. She handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "This, my dear, is my famous Queen Ranch Chicken recipe. It's been passed down in my family for generations, and I know you'll love it just as much as we do."

I eagerly studied the ingredients and instructions on the card, taking in the tantalizing combination of ranch seasoning, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Margaret explained how the chicken was marinated in a zesty ranch dressing before being baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping. My mouth watered as I imagined the flavors melding together in a symphony of deliciousness.

After devouring a hearty lunch of Margaret's Queen Ranch Chicken, I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself. She graciously shared her closely guarded recipe with me, and I vowed to perfect it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made Queen Ranch Chicken for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and demands for the recipe. I happily shared it with anyone who asked, knowing that this dish was too good to keep to myself.

As I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, I added my own little twists to the recipe. I experimented with different cheeses, spices, and cooking methods, always striving to make the dish even more delectable. Whether I was baking it in the oven, grilling it on the barbecue, or even frying it up in a skillet, Queen Ranch Chicken never failed to impress.

One summer, I decided to enter a local cooking competition with my beloved Queen Ranch Chicken recipe. The competition was fierce, with seasoned chefs and home cooks alike vying for the coveted title of "Best Dish in Town." I was nervous but excited to showcase my culinary creation to a wider audience.

As the judges sampled each dish and deliberated on the winner, I held my breath in anticipation. When they finally announced that my Queen Ranch Chicken had won first place, I was overjoyed. The golden trophy gleamed in the sunlight as I proudly accepted my prize, knowing that Margaret's recipe had brought me this sweet victory.

Years passed, and I continued to make Queen Ranch Chicken for my family and friends, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to the next generation. My grandchildren would gather around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation as I served up steaming hot plates of cheesy, bacon-studded chicken. The aroma of ranch seasoning filled the air, evoking memories of summers spent in Margaret's farmhouse kitchen.

As I look back on all the memories and moments shared over a plate of Queen Ranch Chicken, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that brought us all together. It's not just a dish, but a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear. And as long as I have my trusty recipe card and a kitchen to cook in, I know that the legacy of Queen Ranch Chicken will live on for generations to come.