King Ranch Chicken (Skillet) + Cabbage Roll Soup ~ How I Stay Thin Over 50 ~ What I Eat

King Ranch Chicken (Skillet) + Cabbage Roll Soup ~ How I Stay Thin Over 50 ~ What I Eat is a medium American (Tex‑Mex & Classic American) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jenifer Jenkins on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 75 min | Total: 2 hrs

Cost: $34.69 total, $8.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced for chicken; also 1 small onion diced for soup)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced for chicken; also 2 tsp minced for soup)
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin (ground)
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (98% fat‑free, about 10.5 oz)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (reduced‑fat, about 10.5 oz)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (about 14.5 oz)
  • 2 tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt (0% fat, adds creaminess)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 whole Rotisserie Chicken (deboned, skin rinsed under hot water, shredded)
  • 7 pieces Corn Tortillas (cut into small squares)
  • 1.5 cup Mexican Cheese (2% reduced‑fat, shredded)
  • 1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef (95% lean)
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced, amount similar to onion)
  • 2 cup Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen riced cauliflower)
  • 1 small Cabbage (shredded)
  • 4 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 can Fire Roasted Tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
  • 1 jar Low‑Carb Marinara Sauce (about 24 oz)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables for King Ranch Chicken

    Dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Vegetables

    Heat the large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and stir‑fry for about 4‑5 minutes until softened. No oil is needed because the ceramic pan is non‑stick.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Add Spices

    Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Incorporate Soups and Liquids

    Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Greek yogurt, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Prepare Chicken

    Debone a rotisserie chicken, rinse the meat under hot water in a colander to remove skin fat, then shred it into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add Chicken and Tortilla Squares

    Stir the shredded chicken and the cut‑up corn tortilla squares into the bubbling sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes so the tortillas soften.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Melt Cheese

    Sprinkle the shredded 2% Mexican cheese over the top, replace the lid, and let melt for 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Serve King Ranch Chicken

    Dish out the skillet portion onto plates. Optional: top with sliced avocado for healthy fats.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Prepare Soup Vegetables

    Dice the small onion and carrot; shred the cabbage; set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Brown Ground Beef

    In the large pot over medium‑high heat, add the extra‑lean ground beef, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp onion powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  11. Add Onions and Carrots

    Stir in the diced onion and carrot. Cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  12. Add Cauliflower Rice

    Mix in the cauliflower rice and cook for 3‑4 minutes, allowing it to absorb flavors.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium

  13. Combine Remaining Soup Ingredients

    Add the shredded cabbage, beef broth, fire‑roasted tomatoes, and low‑carb marinara sauce. Stir well.

    Time: PT2M

  14. Simmer Soup

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 45‑60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots and cabbage are very tender.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: Low

  15. Finish and Serve

    Ladle the hot cabbage roll soup into bowls. Serve alongside the King Ranch Chicken for a complete fall meal.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Low‑fat, High‑protein, Gluten‑free (corn tortillas), Keto‑friendly (when portioned)

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs (if using pre‑shredded cheese with additives)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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King Ranch Chicken (Skillet) + Cabbage Roll Soup ~ How I Stay Thin Over 50 ~ What I Eat

Recipe by Jenifer Jenkins

Two comforting, lower‑fat fall meals made in one cooking session: a hearty King Ranch Chicken cooked in a skillet without added oil, and a savory Cabbage Roll Soup packed with lean beef, cauliflower rice, and plenty of veggies. Both dishes are lighter versions of classic recipes, using reduced‑fat soups, Greek yogurt, and extra‑lean meat while still delivering big flavor.

MediumAmerican (Tex‑Mex & Classic American)Serves 4

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

Source Video
23m
Prep
1h 27m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$34.69
Total cost
$8.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinse the deboned rotisserie chicken under hot water to remove skin fat before shredding.
  • Bring the King Ranch Chicken sauce to a gentle boil before adding chicken and tortilla squares.
  • Simmer the cabbage roll soup for at least 45 minutes until vegetables are fully softened.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Steam from the covered skillet can be intense; open lid away from face.
  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

King Ranch Chicken originated on the historic King Ranch in South Texas and became a beloved casserole that combines Mexican and Southern flavors. It reflects the ranch’s multicultural heritage, mixing chili spices, corn tortillas, and creamy sauces for a one‑pot comfort dish.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of King Ranch Chicken exist in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Some versions bake the dish in a casserole dish, others add jalapeños or use shredded cheese blends. A few families layer the tortillas on top instead of mixing them in, creating a crunchy topping.

cultural
Q

How is cabbage roll soup traditionally served in American comfort‑food culture?

A

Cabbage roll soup is often served hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream, mimicking the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but in a quicker, broth‑based form.

cultural
Q

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

A

King Ranch Chicken is a popular dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals like Thanksgiving in Texas because it can feed a crowd and be prepared ahead of time.

cultural
Q

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

A

Its unique blend of creamy soups, corn tortilla pieces, and a mix of Mexican spices creates a casserole‑like texture that’s both hearty and saucy, setting it apart from typical taco or enchilada dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making King Ranch Chicken on the stovetop?

A

Common errors include adding too much oil, which makes the dish greasy, and not allowing the sauce to bubble before adding chicken, which can result in a bland texture. Also, over‑cooking the tortilla pieces can turn them mushy.

technical
Q

Why does this King Ranch Chicken recipe use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

A

Greek yogurt provides the same tangy creaminess with fewer calories and virtually no fat, aligning with the creator’s goal of a lighter, guilt‑free version while still delivering richness.

technical
Q

Can I make the cabbage roll soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cabbage roll soup is done cooking?

A

The cabbage should be very tender and slightly wilted, the carrots should be soft enough to break apart with a spoon, and the broth should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower rice without being watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jenifer Jenkins specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jenifer Jenkins focuses on realistic, lower‑calorie home cooking, meal‑prep tips, and product reviews that help viewers eat mindfully while still enjoying flavorful, comforting dishes.

channel
Q

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

A

Jenifer Jenkins emphasizes ingredient swaps that cut calories and fat—like using reduced‑fat soups, Greek yogurt, and rinsed rotisserie chicken—while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many channels prioritize traditional richness over health considerations.

channel

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