Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors and comfort food! This article is tailored to take you through every step of making the Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of King Ranch Chicken Casserole into a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Introduction to Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup
Originating from the Texas region, King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a staple comfort dish known for its creamy texture, cheese, and punchy spices. The Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup takes the same indulgent flavors and turns them into a soup form that’s easy to make and ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe is perfect for those who love the distinct mix of Tex-Mex flavors combined with the hearty satisfaction of a chicken casserole.
External Resource: If you want to explore more about the history and variations of this recipe, check out Texas Cooking’s Casserole Guide.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious soup:
- 8 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (mild, original, or hot depending on your heat preference)
- 1 medium jalapeno, minced (seeds and membranes left intact for spicy, removed for mild)
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, plus more for topping
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving (optional)
Optional Substitutions:
- For gluten-free: Replace flour with cornstarch.
- For dairy-free: Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese.
How to Make Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Base
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and light golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Increase heat to a simmer, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step2: Add Seasonings
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Add black pepper to taste.
- Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.
Step3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Place chicken breasts in a large slow cooker.
- Top them with diced tomatoes with green chiles and minced jalapeno.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender but not overcooked.
Step4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred into large chunks.
- Stir Colby Jack cheese into the slow cooker and return the shredded chicken.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Step5: Serve and Enjoy
- To serve, crush tortilla chips into a bowl and ladle the soup over the top.
- Garnish with extra cheese and cilantro, if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly shredded cheese add more depth to the flavors.
- Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes and controlling the jalapeno seeds.
- For a Thicker Soup: Add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Cooking Tips
1. Slow Cooking Techniques
- For evenly cooked chicken, ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform size.
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature.
2. Best Flavor Enhancements
- Sear the chicken briefly before adding to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this soup with warm cornbread or cheesy garlic bread for a perfect pairing.
- For a balanced meal, pair it with a light side salad like Golden Girl Salad with Sweet Corn Vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is rich in protein and includes a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats. Here’s a breakdown:
Per Serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Sugar: 2g
Storage and Leftovers
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken will reduce cooking time. Add the shredded chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. How do I make this soup spicier?
For more heat, add an extra jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the base sauce, then pressure cook the chicken on high for 10 minutes.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too runny?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or a small amount of instant potato flakes.
Related Recipes
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread – A Hearty Meal
: Discover a similar Tex-Mex inspired casserole dish that’s full of flavor and texture.
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – Easy & Tasty
: A delicious appetizer that pairs perfectly with hearty soups and stews.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this take on Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. If you tried this recipe, let us know your thoughts or share your unique variations. Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #KingRanchSoup on social media.
Let the slow cooking begin!
Print
Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup – Easy Comfort Meal
Description
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors and comfort food! This article is tailored to take you through every step of making the Slow Cooker King Ranch Chicken Soup. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of King Ranch Chicken Casserole into a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (mild, original, or hot depending on your heat preference)
- 1 medium jalapeno, minced (seeds and membranes left intact for spicy, removed for mild)
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, plus more for topping
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving (optional)
Optional Substitutions:
- For gluten-free: Replace flour with cornstarch.
- For dairy-free: Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and light golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Increase heat to a simmer, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Add black pepper to taste.
- Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Place chicken breasts in a large slow cooker.
- Top them with diced tomatoes with green chiles and minced jalapeno.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender but not overcooked.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred into large chunks.
- Stir Colby Jack cheese into the slow cooker and return the shredded chicken.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- To serve, crush tortilla chips into a bowl and ladle the soup over the top.
- Garnish with extra cheese and cilantro, if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly shredded cheese add more depth to the flavors.
- Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes and controlling the jalapeno seeds.
- For a Thicker Soup: Add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
