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4:06 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 | Permalink |
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When Kim Pierce and I went to Allgood Cafe a few weeks ago to sample their CFS, we also ordered the King Ranch chicken. Well, well, well: Here was another iconic Texas dish, this layered casserole of corn tortillas, roast chicken, green chiles, mushrooms and jack and cheddar cheeses. The ingredients had been baked into a creamy amalgam that was also crispy around the edges (it’s presented in a mini skillet). The chile (and a dollop of pico) added pep. I got revved up, thinking I’d determined my next local creation to research and savor. But when I asked colleagues for suggestions for King Ranch chicken beyond Allgood, they all sort of shrugged. “It’s always bland,” they complained, echoing the sentiments of this article from Texas Monthly (scroll down the page to read the story). Is this true, gang? Is there no other zesty, respect-worthy version of King Ranch chicken anywhere in the Metroplex? Help! |
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Comments
Posted by Claire Bloxom @ 4:53 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007
Believe it or not, Cafe Modern at the Modern Art Museum in Ft. Worth has an incredible King Ranch chicken casserole! It may only be available at Sunday brunch though...be sure to check before you go!
Posted by joes. @ 7:02 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007
Back in the day eatZi's had a awesome one. It has been a while, but it never bothered me to get it hot in store. Bring yer own flatware if you don't agree with plastic ware. I recommend the spork.
Posted by PS @ 9:02 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007
Yegua Creek Brewery on Henderson used to have a great KRC, but alas, they went the way of most brewpub-eateries.
HOWEVER, the owner/chef took his recipes to his new venture, "Eat the World" in Lake Highlands (Walnut Hill at Audelia). Now, not only can you get great KRC there, but you can get a casserole pan full of it to take home (large and small).
Posted by dwa @ 8:41 AM Wed, Aug 01, 2007
I always thought the Bronx on Cedar Springs had an awesome King Ranch Chicken.
Posted by Chuck Bloom @ 10:18 AM Wed, Aug 01, 2007
My wife likes the version at Mimi's Cafe. Ilike the kind I make at home - with the right blend of breast and thigh meat and a non-Velveeta cheese. I forgot - Velveeta ISN'T cheese!
BTW, this dish has NOTHING to do with the famed King Ranch. Just the name. It could have been called Trinity River Chicken but the negative connotations would have been disasterous.
Posted by dawn @ 10:19 AM Wed, Aug 01, 2007
Celebration Market on Lovers has a King Ranch Chicken. While I haven't seen it on the restaurant menu before, you can pick it up in the market next door.
Posted by Waltrina Stovall @ 10:46 AM Wed, Aug 01, 2007
Mimi Swartz' Texas Monthly article is beautifully written, but I question whether King Ranch chicken goes back to the '50s, as she states. I remember it first in the late 60s or early '70s, when it was called green chili casserole. I think where it originated needs more research, too. Could it be related to the stacked enchiladas of Arizona? And green chilies are more of a New Mex than Tex thing.
Posted by Maria @ 11:02 AM Wed, Aug 01, 2007
Please keep in mind that the famed King Ranch does not farm chickens........it is a great cattle ranch and where the Chicken Casserole got it's name is beyond me (I was raised on the ranch). If you think this casserole is bland, do what we all did back home, throw in some chilipitins and believe me it won't be bland.