Name: Texas Trash Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use; 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, divided use; 1 ounce packet taco seasonings, divided use (approximately 2 tablespoons); 4 green onions, sliced, divided use; 4 ounce can diced mild green chiles, undrained; 8 ounces refried beans (half of a 16 ounce can); 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Texas Trash Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and flavorful casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy cheese, enchilada sauce, and zesty spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want a comforting meal with a Tex-Mex twist.

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with layered enchiladas, showing four enchilada rolls covered in a thick, melted yellowish-orange cheese layer with slightly browned spots. Below the cheese is a dark reddish-brown sauce with visible chunks of meat. The dish is topped with small, chopped green onion pieces scattered evenly. The white baking dish sits on a wire rack, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided use)
10 ounces red enchilada sauce (divided use)

8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4 green onions, sliced (divided use)

4-ounce can diced mild green chiles (undrained)
1-ounce packet taco seasonings (divided use)

8 ounces refried beans (½ of a 16-ounce can)
4 chicken breasts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, ¼ cup red enchilada sauce, softened cream cheese, half of the sliced green onions, diced mild green chiles (with juice), and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Dot the refried beans evenly around the baking dish.

Step 5: Place the chicken breasts on top of the beans and sauce in the dish.
Step 6: Reserve 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning, then season both sides of the chicken breasts with the remaining taco seasoning.
Step 7: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the cheese.
Step 10: Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the cheese browns too quickly before the chicken is done, cover the dish with aluminum foil to finish cooking.

Step 11: Remove from the oven and top with the remaining sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
For extra heat, substitute mild green chiles with diced jalapeños or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Serve with warm tortillas or over rice to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and cheese creamy.

How to Serve

The dish shows one white round plate with a base layer of white cooked rice. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of orange-brown sauce with a creamy texture, covered by a melted yellow and golden-brown cheese layer that is slightly browned in spots. Scattered on the cheese layer are small pieces of bright green chopped scallions. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with green scallions and a silver utensil visible nearby. In the background, part of a white rectangular baking dish is visible along with a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even baking and to reach the proper internal temperature safely.

What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese?

Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend will work well and provide a similar creamy and melty texture.