Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole Recipe: Zesty Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering Doritos chicken casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish combines classic ingredients in an unexpected way.

Crispy Doritos create a crunchy golden topping that adds irresistible texture to every bite.

The simple recipe brings together tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying crunch and rich, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This easy casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together and disappears from the table.

FAQs

• Are Doritos necessary for this recipe?

Yes, Doritos create the signature crunchy texture and add a zesty flavor that makes this casserole unique. Regular tortilla chips can be substituted if needed.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this casserole?

Rotisserie, grilled, or leftover baked chicken all work perfectly. Ensure the chicken is shredded and well-seasoned for best results.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes provide mild heat. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.

Doritos Chicken Casserole That’s a Family Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Transform plain sugar cookies into vibrant, personalized treats by adding food coloring and playing with decorating techniques like spreading or piping.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Craft a delightful frosting that comes together in minutes, perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Versatile Flavor Boost: Elevate your cookies with a rich, creamy frosting that combines vanilla and almond extracts, creating a delectable taste that appeals to all ages.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Master a simple recipe that requires minimal equipment and basic mixing skills, making it accessible for novice bakers and kids who love to help in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Doritos Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein source that provides hearty texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Create a rich and smooth foundation that binds the casserole together with creamy goodness.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the creamy mixture for a consistent texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor while providing a melty, golden topping for the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Deliver a zesty and well-rounded southwestern flavor profile to the dish.

• Doritos: Provide a bold, crispy texture and signature cheesy corn chip flavor as both a base and topping for the casserole.
• Rotel: Adds a mild spicy and tangy element with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as an optional finishing touch.
• Additional Sour Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm casserole.

How to Make Doritos Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Drained Rotel tomatoes
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Taco seasoning

Fold in the shredded chicken and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 3: Build the Crunchy Base

Crush up half the Doritos and spread them across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This creates a crispy foundation for your casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the Doritos. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Then remove the foil, scatter the remaining Doritos on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set.

If you’re feeling fancy, top with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream. Dig in and enjoy the crispy, creamy magic!

Tips for Doritos Chicken Casserole Perfection

• Crush Doritos just before layering to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Easily substitute shredded chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for quick preparation.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the mixture for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Replace Doritos with crushed pork rinds or keto-friendly chips for a lower-carbohydrate version.
• Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Doritos Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Doritos Delight: Replace regular Doritos with gluten-free tortilla chips or gluten-free corn chips for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Swap taco seasoning for chipotle powder, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese to create a fiery version.
• Vegetarian Chip Casserole: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, plant-based chicken alternative, or roasted cauliflower for a meat-free protein option.
• Low-Carb Nacho Bake: Use crushed pork rinds instead of Doritos, replace cream of chicken soup with heavy cream, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly adaptation.

Pairing Suggestions for Doritos Chicken Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Beer: Choose a light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the bold Doritos and spicy taco seasoning flavors.
• Cool Down with Creamy Margarita: Blend a classic margarita with extra lime to cut through the rich, cheesy casserole and refresh your palate.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add brightness and balance the heavy casserole.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw with a hint of jalapeño to provide a crunchy, acidic counterpoint to the creamy chicken dish.

Storage Tips for Doritos Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy Doritos topping.

Doritos Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Doritos chicken casserole delivers a mouthwatering blend of crunchy chips and creamy chicken that promises pure comfort. Cheesy layers and bold southwestern flavors make this dish irresistible for dinner lovers seeking a quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
• 1 bag (9.75 ounces/276 grams) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained Rotel tomatoes, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and taco seasoning until smooth and well-blended.
3. Fold the shredded chicken and one cup of cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Create the first layer by evenly spreading half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
5. Pour the prepared chicken mixture over the Doritos layer, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
8. Remove the foil and top the casserole with the remaining crushed Doritos for added crunch.
9. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set and cool slightly.
11. Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

• Crush Doritos roughly to maintain crunch and prevent soggy texture, ensuring each bite has a satisfying crispy element.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium and more control over ingredients, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and enhanced flavor, saving time without compromising taste quality.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like corn chips or gluten-free Doritos to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the dish’s signature crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg