King Ranch Casserole

King Ranch has always been a staple in my family's household and it brings back tons of memories. My mom perfected it and it was easily the most recommended dinner when everyone was home. It's a dish my brothers and I would get thirds and fourths on and we're talking big portions. My mom's was a very basic version and was made in its most simplest form. I've had other versions with tons more ingredients but this is a dish you keep simple. The main ingredients are:

Shredded meat from 1 rotisserie chicken (yields 2 cups)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1 4oz can diced green chillies
1 3.8oz can sliced black olives
1 can rotel tomatoes
1 package of 12 corn tortilla's
1 bag of shredded mild cheddar

Optional Ingredients:
1 chopped red pepper
1 chopped white onion
1 chopped tomato (to replace rotel for less spice)
Homemade chicken stock

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large saucepan, heat the chicken stock over medium high heat. Once heated through, stir in the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken. Stir the three ingredients until they form a smooth consistency then stir in green chillies and the rotel. Rreduce to medium and let simmer. Note: If you want the peppers and onion, saute them with 1 tablespoon of butter for 3-4 minutes. Cut the corn torillas into quarters and place one layer on the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish. Next layer about half of the chicken, onion, peppers, and tomatoes. Spoon half the stock mixture evenly. Repeat the layers once more. Top evenly with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and olives. Cook for 25-30 minutes.

Serves 6.

I also made a simple guacamole with:

5 avocados
1/4 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup tomato, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
Juice from 1/2 lime
Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and serve as an appetizer while the King Ranch bakes. I like small chunks of avocado so I don't mix it together too much but just enough to make it smooth and chunky at the same time. The measurements for the ingredients aren't exact so use as much or as little as you want of each. Tip: If you want to a bit of sweetness, add the juice from 1/2 an orange.

Enjoy!