Mexican White Trash Casserole

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Let me just say, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is as unapologetically bold and comforting as the name suggests. When I first pulled this dish out of the oven, the cheesy, golden top was bubbling, and the scent of spices, chicken, and corn hit me all at once. It was love at first bite. This is not your typical neat-and-tidy casserole—this is down-home comfort food at its finest, layered with creamy chicken, corn, salsa, cheese, and crunchy corn chips.

I love how this casserole is so versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or just want a hearty, satisfying meal on a weekday, this recipe has your back. And the best part? It’s a complete one-dish wonder. There are no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just bold Tex-Mex flavors piled into one bubbly, cheesy, golden-baked masterpiece.

This dish reminded me so much of the spirit behind my Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole and even the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti. It’s fun, it’s indulgent, and it’s loaded with textures—from the creamy filling to the crispy chips on top. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be putting this into your regular meal rotation. Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole and Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti are great similar options if you love this flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash Casserole

This casserole is pure comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. It combines shredded chicken, corn, tomatoes, and creamy cheese sauce under a generous layer of crushed corn chips that stay crisp and golden. It comes together quickly and can be customized to suit your taste. It’s family-friendly, party-approved, and leftovers reheat like a dream. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup involved—all the magic happens in one baking dish.

Ingredients

Shredded Chicken
This is the hearty base of the casserole, providing plenty of protein and rich flavor. I usually use rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken to make it super easy.

Cream Cheese
Creamy, tangy, and indulgent—cream cheese melts into the other ingredients to give the filling that smooth, luscious texture.

Sour Cream
Adds a hint of tang and creaminess that balances the flavors, making the filling irresistibly rich.

Corn Kernels
They add a pop of sweetness and a little crunch, balancing out the creaminess of the dairy.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
This gives the casserole a zesty kick and a boost of color and freshness.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
The melty cheese that binds it all together, both mixed in and sprinkled generously on top.

Crushed Corn Chips
That signature crunch! These chips turn golden in the oven and offer the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Green Onions or Cilantro (Optional)
For a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of green for garnish.

How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Shred the cooked chicken, drain your canned ingredients, and have all your dairy ready to mix.

Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese, then cover the entire top with a generous layer of crushed corn chips.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, crunchy goodness!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this casserole. Swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey if that’s what you have on hand. Want it spicier? Stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can use a Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar, or add black beans or bell peppers to boost the veggie content. For a lower-carb version, skip the chips on top and serve with a side salad.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Mexican White Trash Casserole is incredibly filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of Mexican rice. A chilled limeade or a margarita adds a nice citrusy balance to the richness. It also makes a fun and festive dish for potlucks, served alongside guacamole, salsa, or even jalapeño poppers.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole keeps beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, assemble the casserole without the chips and refrigerate it. Add the chips right before baking for the best crunch.

FAQs

What is Mexican White Trash Casserole?

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a comfort food classic made with shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, corn, tomatoes, and a crunchy corn chip topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing, Tex-Mex style dish that bakes in one pan.

Can I make Mexican White Trash Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the chips on top until you’re ready to bake, so they stay crispy.

How spicy is Mexican White Trash Casserole?

It’s mildly spicy thanks to the green chilies, but you can control the heat. For more kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. For a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes instead.

Can I freeze Mexican White Trash Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without the chips and freeze it tightly wrapped. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add chips, and bake as directed.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoy this bold, cheesy casserole, you’re going to love my Taco Spaghetti Casserole and the incredibly flavorful Ultimate Taco Casserole. Both are packed with Tex-Mex flavors and easy enough for busy weeknights.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this Mexican White Trash Casserole for your next comfort food craving. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board, share it with your fellow casserole lovers, and tag someone who needs a new easy dinner idea. Recipes like this are meant to be enjoyed and passed around!

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