Name: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Get ready to meet your newest comfort food obsession: the King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe! This deeply satisfying mashup blends cheesy, creamy macaroni with the beloved flavors of classic King Ranch casserole—all in one pot. Not only is it crowd-pleasing and weeknight-friendly, it’s also a punchy, colorful Tex-Mex spin on macaroni and cheese that the whole family will ask for again and again.

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how just a handful of kitchen staples (and a few Tex-Mex must-haves) can create a dish with so much personality. Every ingredient here pulls its weight, giving this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe its ultra-creamy texture, deep flavor, and irresistible golden hue.

Elbow Macaroni (12 ounces): These little curves hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly and make every bite satisfying.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the veggies to golden perfection.
Onion (1 small, diced): Builds a savory base for the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): Brings welcome sweetness and a pop of color.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a bit goes a long way in boosting aroma and flavor.
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 ounces, drained): The iconic King Ranch touch—mildly spicy and absolutely essential.
Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie works great here for convenience and juiciness.
Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy, pepper-kissed warmth.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor with its smoky, nutty profile.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors!
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
Milk (2 cups): Makes the cheese sauce luxuriously smooth.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy richness and extra creamy texture.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Delivers that classic mac and cheese flavor we love.
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for an ultra-stringy, creamy finish.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkled on top, it’s the finishing touch for brightness and fresh flavor.

How to Make King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. You want it tender but still with a little bite since it’ll continue to soften in the cheesy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking and stirring for about 5–6 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. Add the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until aromatic—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Build the King Ranch Chicken Base

Now add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cooked shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. This step gets those Tex-Mex flavors mingling and the colors popping.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, and stir until all the flour disappears—this is your ticket to a lusciously thick sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You’ll notice it start to thicken into a creamy, dreamy base after about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Sour Cream

Lower the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir gently until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, silky, and ready to hug every noodle.

Step 6: Combine Everything and Serve

Add the cooked macaroni into the skillet, stirring to coat every piece in that luscious King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, with a flourish of chopped cilantro if you like a fresh bite on top.

How to Serve King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. A quick hit of pickled jalapeños or even a crumble of tortilla chips can bring both brightness and crunch, giving this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe an extra layer of excitement.

Side Dishes

This Tex-Mex masterpiece stands tall on its own, but it’s lovely alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lime, a pile of sautéed corn, or even a scoop of guacamole. Add a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of salsa for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, spoon the King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe into individual ramekins and bake with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs for mini casseroles. Or go straight Tex-Mex by serving it in taco shells! It even makes a fun topper for loaded nachos when you want to surprise a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a joy! Simply let the King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in your fridge, and it’ll keep its scrumptious flavor and texture for up to 3–4 days. You may want to add a splash of milk or a spoonful of sour cream when reheating to revive its creaminess.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze this recipe. Portion the cooled mac and cheese into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. For larger amounts, bake covered at 350°F until heated through, adding a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy. If you love a crunchy top, add some breadcrumbs and cheese before baking.

FAQs

Is this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe very spicy?

The dish is flavorful with just a mild kick from the green chilies in the tomatoes and the chili powder. If you’d like it spicier, swap in hot diced tomatoes or add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic for their meltability and flavor, you can experiment with pepper jack for a spicy flair or Colby cheese for a milder taste. The key is using a cheese that melts well.

What kind of chicken works best?

Any cooked, shredded chicken is perfect, but store-bought rotisserie chicken is a busy cook’s best friend here. Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works just as well, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes, you can fully prepare the King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe a day in advance. Just cover and chill it, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. Add a bit of milk if needed to bring back the creaminess.

How do I make this gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap the regular elbow macaroni for a certified gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Keep an eye on your thickener as some behave differently than wheat flour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy, craveable comfort with a Tex-Mex twist, this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation. It’s pure happiness on a plate, easy enough for a family dinner yet special enough to wow a crowd. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy and flavorful, this Tex-Mex twist on a classic dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper in butter until softened. Add garlic, tomatoes, chicken, seasonings, and cook until heated through.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, then whisk in milk. Simmer until thickened. Stir in sour cream, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, mix well. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add jalapeños.
Leftovers reheat well and can be baked with a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex