Ep 2. King Ranch Chicken

Joanna Gaines is back with another mouth-watering episode of Magnolia Table, and this time she's serving up a Tex-Mex classic - King Ranch Chicken. In episode 2, Joanna takes viewers on a journey through the flavors of Southern Texas, where King Ranch Chicken originated.

King Ranch Chicken is a casserole dish that is a staple in many Tex-Mex households. The dish features layers of corn tortillas, diced chicken, peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce made with diced tomatoes, green chiles, and sour cream. The entire dish is baked in the oven until it's bubbly and golden brown on top.

To start the episode, Joanna takes viewers to a local farmer's market to gather fresh ingredients for the dish. She selects ripe tomatoes, spicy peppers, and juicy chicken from local vendors, highlighting the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in cooking.

Back in the Magnolia Table kitchen, Joanna breaks down the recipe step by step. She starts by sautéing onions and peppers, adding in the diced chicken to cook until golden brown. She then adds in the creamy sauce, made with diced tomatoes, green chiles, and sour cream. Joanna notes that the sauce can be adjusted to taste, with more or less spice added depending on preference.

Once the sauce is complete, Joanna layers the corn tortillas in the bottom of a casserole dish, adding the chicken and sauce on top. She repeats this process until all the ingredients are used, topping the entire dish with a generous amount of shredded cheese.

Joanna then pops the casserole in the oven to bake until it's bubbly and golden brown. While the dish bakes, Joanna takes viewers on a tour of King Ranch in Southern Texas. This historic ranch is known for its cattle drives and is one of the largest ranches in the world. Joanna highlights how the flavors of King Ranch Chicken are inspired by the ranch's Tex-Mex heritage.

Back in the Magnolia Table kitchen, Joanna pulls the King Ranch Chicken out of the oven, revealing a bubbly, melted cheese topping. She serves the dish alongside fresh pico de gallo and avocado, rounding out the Tex-Mex flavors of the meal.

In addition to the King Ranch Chicken, Joanna also shares a recipe for a refreshing grapefruit margarita, perfect for sipping alongside the savory casserole. She notes that the sweetness of the grapefruit pairs well with the spiciness of the dish.

Throughout the episode, Joanna's warm and approachable nature shines through. As always, she emphasizes the importance of family, community, and gathering around the table to share a meal. She encourages viewers to try new recipes and experiment with flavors, reminding us that cooking should be fun and creative.

Overall, episode 2 of Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines is a delicious journey through the flavors of Southern Texas. The King Ranch Chicken recipe is approachable and versatile, making it a perfect addition to any home-cooked meal.