Doritos Chicken Casserole is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of Doritos with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. This casserole is perfect for those who love a good comfort meal with a twist. The unique addition of Doritos not only adds a delightful texture but also infuses the dish with an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering that calls for a crowd-pleasing recipe, this casserole is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love Doritos Chicken Casserole
- Deliciously Unique: The incorporation of Doritos provides a tasty and unexpected crunch.
- Comforting: Combines all the elements of a hearty, comforting meal in one dish.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with the whole family, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast makes the base of the casserole. You can boil, bake, or use rotisserie chicken.
- Doritos: Any flavor of Doritos can be used, but Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch are popular choices.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides gooeyness and flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy base for the casserole. Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a substitute.
- Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to balance the flavors.
- Vegetables: Mix in diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Seasonings: Adjust with taco seasoning or your choice of spices to tailor the dish to your taste.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and greasing a casserole dish.
- Layer Doritos: Begin with a layer of crushed Doritos at the bottom of the dish.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and seasonings.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture over the Doritos layer. Top with another layer of crushed Doritos and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, then uncover and bake for a few more minutes to crisp the top layer of Doritos.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving might soften the Doritos, so oven reheating is recommended to maintain texture.
How to Make Doritos Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 3 cups, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Rotel tomatoes: 1 can (10 oz), drained (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained (optional)
- Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (or 2-3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
- Doritos: 1 bag (about 9.75 oz), crushed (Nacho Cheese or your favorite flavor)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): 2 cups
- Green onions: for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat 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, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, drained Rotel tomatoes, black beans (if using), corn, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Start with a layer of crushed Doritos at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, reserving enough for the top layer.
- Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheese.
- Add another layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining chicken mixture.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot, with additional sour cream or guacamole on the side if desired.