Doritos Chicken Casserole is a cheesy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and layers of Doritos for the ultimate comfort food. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something fun and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic comfort food with the bold flavor of Doritos.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- A great way to use up leftover chicken.
- Crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with different Dorito flavors and toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Doritos (nacho cheese flavor or your favorite variety)
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Taco seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional toppings: Green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, or jalapeños
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Rotel, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning (if using). Mix well.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Crush half of the Doritos and spread them evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the crushed Doritos, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese and Doritos:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Crush the remaining Doritos and spread them over the cheese layer.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Dorito Flavors: Try Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or any flavor you love.
- Vegetarian Option: Use black beans or plant-based chicken instead of shredded chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Healthier Version: Use baked tortilla chips and reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or sautéed onions for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole before baking in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the top layer of Doritos just before baking.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are good alternatives to cream of chicken.
Can I make it spicier?
Use Spicy Nacho Doritos, extra Rotel, or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed veggies, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, cook and season ground chicken, then mix it into the casserole filling.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a similar tangy flavor.
How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?
Add the top layer of crushed Doritos right before serving if you prefer maximum crunch.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or prepare two casseroles to feed a bigger crowd.
Conclusion
Doritos Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, with a bold flavor that’s hard to resist. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist!
PrintDoritos Chicken Casserole
Doritos Chicken Casserole is a bold and cheesy dinner loaded with crushed Doritos, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy sauce. It’s a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With layers of crunch and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or another cream of chicken)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (11 oz) bag Doritos (nacho cheese flavor), crushed
- Optional: Chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the Doritos and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- Feel free to use flavored Doritos, like Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch, for a twist.
- Add some vegetables like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.