King Ranch Chicken Soup 🍜

King Ranch Chicken Soup 🍜 is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 430 calories per serving. Recipe by TT.Scraps on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $13.60 total, $2.27 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Rotisserie Chicken (shredded, meat only)
  • 1 medium Onion (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, seeded and chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (store‑bought bulk blend)
  • 2 cans Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each, undrained)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Water (to top off the tomato can)
  • 2/3 can Green Chilies (4 oz can, use about two‑thirds)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (full block, softened at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
  • to taste Salt (adjust at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Shred the rotisserie chicken, chop the onion and bell pepper, open the cans of tomatoes, green chilies, and cream of mushroom soup, and measure out the broth, oil, and taco seasoning.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Chicken

    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes, then stir in 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add First Tomato Can and Water

    Pour one can of fire‑roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot, then fill the empty can with water (about 1 cup) and add it as well. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Incorporate Remaining Canned Ingredients

    Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, the second can of fire‑roasted tomatoes, and about two‑thirds of the green chilies.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Add Veggies, Broth, and Seasoning

    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, 1 cup chicken broth, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Mix well.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Simmer the Soup

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low‑medium and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Low‑medium heat

  7. Add Cream Cheese

    Place the 8‑oz block of cream cheese directly into the hot soup. Allow it to melt, stirring gently. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the soup is thick and creamy.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Low‑medium heat

  8. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
430
Protein
23 g
Carbohydrates
12.5 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
2.3 g

Dietary info: High-Protein, Contains Dairy, Contains Chicken

Allergens: Dairy, Wheat (possible in cream of mushroom soup), Soy (possible in taco seasoning)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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King Ranch Chicken Soup 🍜

Recipe by TT.Scraps

A hearty, creamy Tex-Mex inspired King Ranch Soup made with shredded rotisserie chicken, fire‑roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and a block of cream cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner served with crusty bread or crackers.

MediumTex-MexServes 6

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

Source Video
18m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.60
Total cost
$2.27
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the shredded chicken briefly to develop flavor before adding liquids.
  • Do not drain the first can of tomatoes; the juices contribute to the broth.
  • Add the cream cheese whole and allow it to melt slowly; this creates the signature creamy texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • The soup will be boiling; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Cream cheese melts quickly and can cause steam burns if the lid is removed abruptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of King Ranch Soup in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

King Ranch Soup originated on Texas ranches as a way to stretch leftover chicken and pantry staples into a filling, flavorful meal. It reflects the ranching heritage of using simple, affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, chilies, and cheese to create a comforting, spicy stew.

cultural
Q

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

A

In West Texas the soup often includes diced potatoes and uses beef broth, while East Texas versions may add corn and use a milder taco seasoning. Some families also top the soup with shredded cheese or avocado for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is King Ranch Soup traditionally served in Tex-Mex culture?

A

It is typically ladled into shallow bowls and served with warm crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are common garnishes that brighten the smoky flavors.

cultural
Q

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

A

The soup is a popular after‑work or weekend family meal on ranches, often enjoyed after a long day in the fields. It also appears at casual gatherings, potlucks, and as a comforting dish during cooler evenings.

cultural
Q

How does King Ranch Soup fit into the broader Tex-Mex cuisine tradition?

A

King Ranch Soup embodies Tex-Mex’s love for bold, smoky flavors, the use of canned convenience items, and the blending of Mexican chilies with American dairy products like cream cheese, creating a uniquely comforting hybrid dish.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for King Ranch Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include rotisserie or boiled chicken, fire‑roasted diced tomatoes, canned green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, and a block of cream cheese. Substitutes can be cooked chicken breast, regular diced tomatoes with chipotle, fresh jalapeños, homemade mushroom soup, or sour cream instead of cream cheese.

cultural
Q

What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with King Ranch Soup?

A

Serve it alongside classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple corn salad. A crisp margarita or cold cerveza also complements the soup’s heat.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry; adding too much liquid, resulting in a watery soup; and adding the cream cheese too early, which can cause it to clump. Follow the timing steps and add the cheese at the end for a smooth texture.

technical
Q

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

A

The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender, the flavors have melded after about 30 minutes of simmering, and the cream cheese has fully melted, giving the broth a thick, velvety consistency. A quick taste should reveal balanced heat and seasoning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TT.Scraps specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TT.Scraps focuses on easy, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring comfort foods, one‑pot meals, and creative uses of pantry staples for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TT.Scraps' approach to Tex-Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

TT.Scraps emphasizes straightforward, no‑fuss techniques with minimal equipment, showcasing how to transform simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken and canned goods into flavorful Tex‑Mex dishes, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate preparations or specialty ingredients.

channel

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