King Ranch Chicken Soup

King Ranch Chicken Soup is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $12.95 total, $2.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 4 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 2 cup Rotisserie Chicken (shredded, skin removed)
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, half of an 8‑oz block)
  • 20 pcs Corn Tortillas (cut into thin strips)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños (sliced, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the half onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Shred Chicken & Cut Tortillas

    Remove skin from rotisserie chicken, shred into bite‑size pieces. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Combine Base Ingredients

    In the large pot, add the diced vegetables, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and onion powder. Stir and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes to release aromatics.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Soups and Rotel

    Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the can of Rotel. Mix until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Broth and Bring to Boil

    Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: High

  6. Simmer and Add Chicken

    Once boiling, reduce heat to medium‑low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium‑Low

  7. Incorporate Cream Cheese

    Stir in the softened cream cheese, breaking it up with the spoon until fully melted and the soup is creamy.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Add Tortilla Strips

    Add the cut corn tortilla strips to the pot, stirring gently. Allow them to soften for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Finish and Serve

    Ladle soup into bowls, top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (using corn tortillas), High‑Protein, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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King Ranch Chicken Soup

A hearty Tex‑Mex inspired King Ranch Chicken Soup packed with rotisserie chicken, creamy soups, fresh peppers, corn tortilla strips, and a touch of cheese. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner.

EasyTex-MexServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
28m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.95
Total cost
$2.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the spices briefly before adding liquids to prevent burning.
  • Bringing the soup to a full boil before reducing to a simmer.
  • Fully melting the cream cheese to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the boiling soup with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the hot pot.
  • Be cautious when cutting raw chicken; wash hands and surfaces thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of King Ranch Chicken Soup in Texas cuisine?

A

King Ranch Chicken Soup originates from the historic King Ranch in South Texas and reflects the region’s blend of Mexican and Southern cooking. It was created as a hearty, one‑pot meal for ranch workers, combining chicken, corn tortillas, and bold spices.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of King Ranch Chicken Soup in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Traditional variations may use fresh diced tomatoes instead of Rotel, add black beans, or substitute shredded cheese with Mexican blend. Some cooks also include diced ham or use a blend of poblano and jalapeño peppers for extra heat.

cultural
Q

How is King Ranch Chicken Soup traditionally served in Texas homes?

A

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickled jalapeños, and sometimes a dollop of sour cream. A side of crispy tortilla strips or fresh cilantro adds texture and freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is King Ranch Chicken Soup traditionally associated with in Texas culture?

A

The soup is popular for family gatherings, pot‑luck dinners, and cold‑weather comfort meals. It’s also a staple at Sunday lunch tables and community events where a hearty, crowd‑pleasing dish is needed.

cultural
Q

What makes King Ranch Chicken Soup special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Its unique combination of creamy canned soups, rotisserie chicken, and corn tortilla strips creates a rich, comforting texture that differs from typical broth‑based Mexican soups. The use of Rotel adds a distinctive tangy heat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making King Ranch Chicken Soup at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the tortilla strips, which makes them mushy, and adding the cream cheese too early, which can cause clumping. Also, be sure not to let the spices burn during the initial sauté.

technical
Q

Why does this King Ranch Chicken Soup recipe use cream cheese instead of heavy cream?

A

Cream cheese provides a thicker, richer mouthfeel and a slight tang that balances the tomato‑based Rotel, while also helping the soup stay stable when reheated. Heavy cream would make the soup thinner and less hearty.

technical
Q

Can I make King Ranch Chicken Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making King Ranch Chicken Soup?

A

The soup should be creamy with a reddish‑orange hue from the Rotel, speckled with diced peppers and chicken. The tortilla strips should be softened but still retain a slight bite, and the cheese topping should melt just enough to create a glossy finish.

technical
Q

How do I know when King Ranch Chicken Soup is done cooking?

A

The soup is done when the vegetables are tender, the chicken is heated through, and the cream cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth, cohesive broth. A gentle simmer for 15‑20 minutes after adding broth is sufficient.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on casual, comfort‑food style cooking tutorials, often featuring quick, one‑pot meals and approachable twists on classic Southern and Tex‑Mex dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other Tex‑Mex cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown emphasizes using readily available pantry items like canned soups and rotisserie chicken to create flavorful Tex‑Mex meals with minimal prep, whereas many other channels rely on scratch‑made sauces and longer cooking times.

channel

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