Name: Texas Trash Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts; 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 tbsp taco seasoning, divided; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 1 tbsp enchilada sauce, divided; 14 oz can refried beans; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 oz can mild green chilis; ¼ cup green onions, chopped (separate the greens and whites); 1 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese; 8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; ¼ of red onion, chopped; Additional green onions (greens separated) for garnish; Rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Texas Trash Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Tender chicken breasts are layered with creamy beans, cheesy toppings, and a zesty enchilada sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows a meal with two main parts on a pink plate placed on a wooden surface covered by a woven mat. The left portion on the plate is a round, reddish-brown baked layer with a glossy texture on top of white rice. The right portion is a golden-brown baked piece covered with melted cheese and small green chopped toppings spread over it. In the background, there is a red baking dish with two similar golden baked pieces covered with cheese. To the right, there is a small white bowl with a fresh salad containing green lettuce, purple cabbage, and white cheese bits. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts
1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp taco seasoning, divided
1 cup + 1 tbsp enchilada sauce, divided
14 oz can refried beans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup green onions, chopped (separate the greens and whites)
4 oz can mild green chilis
8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
¼ red onion, chopped
Rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Pat your chicken breasts dry and allow them to come to room temperature. Season both sides evenly with ½ tablespoon of taco seasoning.
Step 2: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce in an even layer. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, dollop the refried beans evenly (about 12 dollops) over the sauce. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts spaced out on top of the beans.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, the white parts of the green onions, green chilis, 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce, and 1 ounce of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
Step 4: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, spreading it to cover each piece completely. Sprinkle the chopped red onion around the chicken. Then, top everything with the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Step 5: Garnish with a light sprinkle of taco seasoning and the green parts of the chopped green onions. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve hot with rice, spooning some of the sauce from the pan over the chicken and rice, and garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese instead of Colby Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
Serve with warm flour tortillas for a Tex-Mex twist.

Storage

Store leftover Texas Trash Chicken covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and avoid drying out the chicken. Leftover sauce can be spooned over rice or reheated separately.

How to Serve

A white baking dish contains two large, round portions of a layered baked dish topped with melted, golden-brown cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The base layer is a thick, rich, dark red sauce that surrounds the cheesy layers. The top cheese layer is bubbly and slightly browned, with a mix of white and orange-yellow colors, showing a soft and gooey texture beneath. A woman's hand with red nail polish is lifting one piece with a metal spatula, revealing the dense, cheesy stuffing underneath. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra flavor and moisture. Adjust baking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe features mild green chilis and taco seasoning, which add a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing spicier chilis or adding more taco seasoning.