Name: Texas Trash Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning (divided); 1 cup enchilada sauce (divided); 14 oz can refried beans; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (separate whites and greens); 4 oz mild green chilis; 8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided); 1/4 red onion, chopped; Rice for serving (optional)

Texas Trash Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that brings the bold flavors of Texas Trash Dip to a hearty chicken meal. The seasoned chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy mix of refried beans, cream cheese, green chilis, and Colby jack cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying: Combines all the bold flavors of Texas Trash Dip with juicy chicken for a hearty meal.
Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 30-minute bake time, this is a perfect weeknight dinner.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

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

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and allow them to come to room temperature. Season both sides with 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning.
Assemble the Dish: Pour 1 cup enchilada sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add 12 dollops of refried beans over the sauce, then place the chicken breasts on top.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 1 tbsp taco seasoning, green onion whites, green chilis, and 1 oz Colby Jack cheese until smooth. Spread the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle red onion and the remaining cheese over the chicken. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Serve the chicken with rice, drizzling the sauce from the baking dish over the rice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy: Use hot green chilis or add chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture for extra heat.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use the refried beans, cream cheese, and cheese mixture as a filling for burritos or as a dip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Colby Jack with Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve.

3. What can I serve with Texas Trash Chicken?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

4. How do I make this spicier?

Add jalapeños, use spicy green chilis, or sprinkle chili flakes for extra heat.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well too! Just ensure they are cooked through.

Conclusion

Texas Trash Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner that brings the cheesy, creamy goodness of Texas Trash Dip into a one-pan meal. It’s a satisfying dish that’s quick enough for weeknights yet delicious enough for any occasion. Enjoy the bold flavors with minimal effort!