We love how our White Trash Chicken dish transforms basic ingredients into pure comfort. It’s all about layering tender chicken with creamy sauces and crispy toppings to create a crave-worthy meal
We’ve found that its name might draw a grin but it highlights the humble approach to delicious home cooking. We reach for kitchen staples that pack maximum flavor in minimal time so it’s perfect for busy nights
Ingredients For White Trash Chicken Recipe
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
We recommend slicing each breast into thin cutlets for quick cooking.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
This creates the first layer of our comforting sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
This adds depth and an earthy taste to our sauce.
- 1 cup sour cream
We stir this into our soups for a silky consistency.
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers
We crush these into coarse crumbs for our crispy topping.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
This melts into a golden layer over our cracker topping.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
We drizzle this over the crushed crackers for a lightly browned finish.
- Salt and black pepper
We sprinkle these on our chicken to enhance flavor.
We keep these staples on hand because they layer together quickly for a flavorful White Trash Chicken casserole. We dice our chicken to ensure even cooking. We blend our soups with sour cream in a bowl until smooth. We spread the mixture over our seasoned chicken. Next we coat the top with crushed crackers and cheddar cheese. We drizzle melted butter last.
Required Equipment And Tools
- Cutting Board
We set a sturdy surface to safely handle and slice our chicken breasts into thin cutlets.
- Chef’s Knife
We rely on a sharp blade to create uniform pieces that bake evenly.
- Mixing Bowl
We stir together our soups and sour cream here. We combine seasonings in this bowl to keep every flavor balanced.
- Whisk or Silicone Spatula
We blend sauces until smooth. We scrape the sides to avoid lumps in our White Trash Chicken Recipe.
- 9×13 Baking Dish
We choose a dish with deep sides. We layer chicken and sauce neatly for even cooking.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
We portion soups and sour cream accurately. We keep the flavor consistent by following exact amounts.
- Cooking Spray
We use a light coat on our baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Oven Thermometer
We ensure the interior temperature stays at 350°F to bake our dish properly.
Prep Steps
We prepare our White Trash Chicken by arranging each component for easy assembly. These steps help us save time when layering our casserole.
Step 1: Clean And Trim The Chicken
We rinse our boneless chicken breasts under cold running water. We pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. We transfer them to a cutting board and remove any visible fat or tough spots. We slice them into thin cutlets that cook quickly.
| Cutlet Thickness | Approx Bake Time At 350°F |
|---|---|
| ½ inch | 25 minutes |
| ¾ inch (or thicker) | 30 minutes |
Step 2: Gather Seasonings And Mix
We place our cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups in a large bowl. We add sour cream and our preferred seasonings such as salt pepper and garlic powder. We whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and thick. This base will coat the chicken for a savory finish.
Directions
Our White Trash Chicken continues with a simple three-step cooking method. We begin by coating each chicken cutlet with the thick soup mixture from the previous step.
Step 1: Coat The Chicken
Place each cutlet in a shallow dish. Spoon the soup mixture over the chicken. Turn each piece to coat both sides. Ensure every surface is covered for rich flavor.
Step 2: Pan-Fry To Seal In Flavor
Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil. Place coated cutlets in the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until light golden. Use tongs to flip each piece carefully. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 3: Finish In The Oven
Arrange the cutlets in one layer. Spread any remaining soup mixture on top. Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly over the surface. Top with shredded cheddar cheese for a crisp melty finish. Bake at 350°F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use the times below as a guide.
| Cutlet Thickness | Approximate Bake Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| ½ inch | 25 minutes |
| ¾ inch | 30 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We love to plate White Trash Chicken alongside moist side dishes and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal. The creamy sauce creates a comforting contrast to crisp textures and bright flavors. Below are a few of our favorite serving ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans
- Seasoned rice or fluffy dinner rolls
- Crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad
- Roasted seasonal vegetables and cornbread
We also like to top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped scallions for extra flavor. If we need to stretch the dish for more guests, we might prepare larger batches with the bake times listed in the table.
| Cutlet Thickness | Approximate Bake Time | Ideal Number Of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| ½ inch | 25 minutes | 4 |
| ¾ inch | 30 minutes | 6 |
These sides and garnishes add variety and depth to White Trash Chicken, enhancing every bite.
Storage And Reheating
We cool our White Trash Chicken thoroughly before transferring it to airtight containers. We place these containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. We label each container with the storage date so we can monitor freshness.
| Reheating Method | Temperature | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 350°F | 15 minutes for a casserole dish |
| Microwave | High | 2 to 3 minutes per piece |
- We reheat our chicken in a preheated oven when we want a crisp finish
- We retain moisture by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water if needed
- We heat individual portions in the microwave when we need a quick meal
- We check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F to maintain food safety
Conclusion
We love how White Trash Chicken offers that home cooked comfort with minimal fuss. It consistently delivers big flavor without a stressful process.
By focusing on quick steps and practical ingredients we can enjoy a hearty homemade meal any day of the week. Let’s keep this recipe handy for those moments when we need something satisfying and uncomplicated. It never fails to please even the pickiest eaters. We’ll let its creamy goodness speak for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White Trash Chicken?
White Trash Chicken is a comforting casserole that layers tender chicken with creamy soups, sour cream, crunchy crackers, and cheese. Despite the quirky name, it’s simply an easy, down-to-earth way to transform common pantry ingredients into a flavorful meal. The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying. Its approachable ingredients and minimal prep time have made it a favorite for families looking to whip up a stress-free, hearty dinner.
Which ingredients are essential?
Key ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, buttery crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and any favorite herbs also enhance flavor. You’ll layer the soup and sour cream mixture over chicken cutlets, then top with crushed crackers and cheese. These ingredients help create a creamy casserole that bakes to golden perfection. While the recipe is flexible, sticking to these elements ensures the best balance of flavors and textures.
How should I prepare the chicken?
Begin by rinsing and patting dry the chicken breasts before trimming any visible fat. Slice them into thin cutlets—around ½ inch thick is ideal for faster cooking. Season each cutlet lightly with salt and pepper. This step ensures even seasoning and helps the flavors in your soup mixture soak into the chicken. Thin cutlets typically bake for about 25 minutes, while thicker pieces (¾ inch or more) might need an extra five minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I need special equipment?
Not really. You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for slicing chicken, plus a mixing bowl and whisk or spatula to blend the soups and sour cream. An oven-safe 9×13 baking dish ensures even cooking, and a kitchen thermometer helps confirm the chicken reaches 165°F. Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions, and cooking spray to prevent food from sticking. These common kitchen items make preparing White Trash Chicken a breeze.
What’s the best baking temperature and time?
Preheat your oven to 350°F, as this gentle heat allows the chicken to cook evenly without drying out. If your chicken cutlets are around ½ inch thick, they typically require about 25 minutes. Thicker cutlets, closer to ¾ inch or more, will need roughly 30 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F for optimum food safety. To help maintain consistent heat, consider using an oven thermometer to verify your appliance’s accuracy.
How do I ensure a crispy topping?
To get a deliciously crunchy crust, crush the buttery crackers into small, even pieces, then sprinkle them over the soup-coated chicken. Drizzle melted butter on top for extra crispness. You can also briefly pan-fry the cutlets for 2 minutes on each side before baking, locking in flavor and helping to develop a light crust. Finally, add shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking, which melts and browns beautifully, further enhancing the dish’s crunchy, savory finish.
What sides go well with this dish?
White Trash Chicken pairs perfectly with moist sides like mashed potatoes or seasoned rice to soak up any extra sauce. Crisp coleslaw or roasted vegetables add contrast, balancing out the rich, creamy flavors. For a touch of freshness, top your casserole with chopped scallions or an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it buffet-style with a variety of sides so guests can customize their plates and enjoy a complete, satisfying meal.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
First, cool any leftover White Trash Chicken completely. Place it in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Clearly label each container with the storage date. To reheat, use your oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for a casserole dish, or microwave individual portions on high for two to three minutes. Adding a little chicken broth or water preserves moisture. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving again.