Description
A comforting and flavorful King Ranch Chicken & Rice Bake featuring seasoned Mexican rice, tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a spicy kick from Rotel tomatoes, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 (5.4-oz) packages Knorr Mexican Rice
Chicken & Cheese Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the Knorr Mexican Rice according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s fully cooked before proceeding.
- Melt Velveeta and Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, melt the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth (or water), and undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Heat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted cheese sauce mixture with the cooked chopped chicken and the prepared Mexican rice. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined rice, chicken, and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes according to your taste preference.
- For a creamier texture, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
