Texas Comfort Food Meets Open Fire

Texas Comfort Food Meets Open Fire is a medium Texas / American Southwest recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Meat Church BBQ on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $65.95 total, $10.99 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Onion (medium, diced)
  • 1 cup Mixed Bell Peppers (mixed colors, diced)
  • 4 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or chopped; use rotisserie chicken or homemade roasted chicken, both white and dark meat)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing vegetables)
  • 2 tablespoons Texas Chili Seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
  • 1 can Rotel Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (14.5 oz can)
  • 1 can Cream of Poblano Soup (approx. 10.5 oz; can substitute cream of chicken or mushroom)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (Queso Blanco) (approx. 10.5 oz; can substitute cream of chicken or mushroom)
  • 6 cups Chicken Stock (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Masa Harina (to thicken; mix with a little water to form slurry before adding)
  • to taste Blanco Seasoning (or salt and pepper; adds flavor without extra salt)
  • 1/4 cup Cotija Cheese (crumbled for topping)
  • 1/2 cup Tortilla Strips (store-bought multicolored strips)
  • 1 whole Jalapeño (thinly sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice Vegetables

    Dice the onion and bell peppers into roughly 1/2‑inch pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Shred Cooked Chicken

    Using a bench scraper or two forks, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite‑size pieces, measuring out about 4 cups.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté Onion and Peppers

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and sauté until softened and translucent, about 6‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Chili Seasoning

    Stir in 2 tbsp Texas chili seasoning and cook for 1‑2 minutes to release the aromas.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Combine Canned Ingredients and Stock

    Add the can of Rotel, both cream soups, and 6 cups chicken stock. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Add Chicken and Cream Cheese

    Stir the shredded chicken and the 2‑ounce cream cheese into the pot. Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts completely.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Simmer the Soup

    Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: low simmer

  8. Thicken with Masa

    In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp masa harina with 2‑3 tbsp water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering soup and cook 2‑3 minutes until thickened.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Season to Taste

    Add Blanco seasoning, salt, or pepper to taste. Adjust heat with extra chili seasoning if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Garnish and Serve

    Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled Cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and sliced jalapeño.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Low to moderate carbs

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (masa harina), Corn

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Texas Comfort Food Meets Open Fire

Recipe by Meat Church BBQ

A hearty Texas-inspired King Ranch Soup packed with shredded chicken, bell peppers, onions, creamy soups, and a touch of masa for thickening. Made in a Dutch oven over the stove (or fire) and finished with Cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and jalapeños. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

MediumTexas / American SouthwestServes 6

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

Source Video
22m
Prep
44m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$65.95
Total cost
$10.99
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing the onion and peppers until soft
  • Bringing the broth to a gentle simmer before adding chicken
  • Melting the cream cheese fully
  • Simmering the soup for 20 minutes to develop flavor
  • Incorporating the masa slurry without forming lumps

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot Dutch oven.
  • Be cautious when shredding hot chicken; let it cool slightly first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

King Ranch Soup is a modern, soupy twist on the classic King Ranch casserole, a beloved Texas comfort dish that dates back to early 20th‑century ranch cooking. It reflects the region's love for hearty, meat‑filled meals and incorporates Southwestern flavors like fire‑roasted tomatoes and masa.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of King Ranch Soup in Texas?

A

Some Texas cooks add smoked sausage or pork shoulder, while others use only chicken. Variations may also include different chilies, such as chipotle in adobo, or substitute corn masa with crushed tortilla chips for texture.

cultural
Q

How is King Ranch Soup traditionally served in Texas households?

A

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with crumbled Cotija or queso fresco, crunchy tortilla strips, and fresh jalapeño slices. A side of warm cornbread or crusty bread often accompanies the soup.

cultural
Q

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

A

King Ranch Soup is popular for casual family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and as a comforting weeknight meal after a long day on the ranch. It also appears at pot‑luck events and holiday brunches in Texas.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Texas‑style King Ranch Soup?

A

Key ingredients include shredded chicken, fire‑roasted tomatoes (Rotel), a creamy soup base (cream of poblano or chicken), Texas chili seasoning, and masa harina for thickening. Optional toppings like Cotija cheese and tortilla strips add authentic flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Texas dishes pair well with King Ranch Soup?

A

Serve it alongside classic sides such as jalapeño cornbread, coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the vegetables until they brown, adding the masa directly without a slurry (causing lumps), and simmering the soup at too high a heat, which can cause the cream cheese to separate.

technical
Q

Why does this King Ranch Soup recipe use masa harina instead of cornstarch for thickening?

A

Masa adds a subtle corn flavor that complements the Southwestern profile, while also providing a smoother, silkier texture than cornstarch. It also ties the soup back to traditional Mexican‑inspired Texas dishes.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Prepare the soup up to step 5, cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add the chicken, cream cheese, and masa when reheating. Reheat gently over low heat and finish with fresh toppings.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when King Ranch Soup is done cooking?

A

The soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable, with a creamy, slightly orange‑red hue from the Rotel. The chicken should be tender, and the masa should be fully dissolved without visible lumps.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ specializes in Texas‑style barbecue, ranch cooking, and hearty comfort food recipes that showcase bold flavors, outdoor cooking techniques, and practical weeknight meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ's approach to Texas cuisine differ from other cooking channels?

A

Meat Church BBQ blends authentic Texas ranch traditions with modern, easy‑to‑follow tutorials, often cooking over live fire or in a smoker. The channel emphasizes using store‑bought shortcuts without sacrificing flavor, setting it apart from channels that focus solely on gourmet or low‑tech methods.

channel

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