Easy Doritos Chicken Casserole
Are you in the mood for something with bold flavors, creamy textures and a crisp crunch? Doritos Chicken Casserole is the best comfort food with a fun twist.
Layered with tender chicken, assorted colorful cheeses and your go-to nacho-flavored chips, this casserole is seriously impressive on busy weeknights or for a night of casual entertaining. It’s simple to prepare, completely divine, and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Come along as we dissect just what it takes to assemble this one-pan wonder and answer every question you have about this star plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: Each layer of this dish adds irresistible flavor — creamy chicken filling, crispy cheesy Doritos.
- Kids-Friendly: Even picky eaters will clean their plates! Doritos makes it playful and fun for the kids.
- Simple Prep: You can have this family favorite on the table in no time with just a handful of ingredients.
- Great for Leftovers: Is better the second day, when the flavors have melded.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: One of those go-to potluck and game day dishes where comfort food is king.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
To make this Doritos Chicken Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to get creative with additional mix-ins or toppings!
Core Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 4 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos (about 1 medium bag), crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple instruction’s step by step to have this dish on your table in minutes.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of oil.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Stir until evenly combined and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Place a layer of crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish for the crust.
- Evenly spoon the chicken mixture over the layer of Doritos.
- Top the chicken mixture with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add another layer of crushed Doritos for extra crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Put the dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, pull the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
- Place back in the oven and cook an additional 5 minutes and when the cheese is melted and golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Take it out from the oven and let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes before serving. If you want, garnish with more crushed Doritos, chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Doritos Chicken Casserole is hearty and delicious, and goes great with lighter sides for a balanced meal. Here are a few ideas to pair with your casserole:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette counteracts the creamy heft of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, steamed asparagus.
- Avocado Topping: Add some sliced avocado for creaminess and freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 375
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?
Absolutely! Aside from adding a classic flavor with Nacho Cheese Doritos, you can also play around with other varieties such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili for a fun tweak.
2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. What if I have no cooked chicken?
You can buy a rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience, or roast chicken breasts or thighs at home. Just cook them through, then shred.
4. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a higher-fiber version, you can use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos, plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes nicely. Portion store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat: Place in the oven at 350F until heated through.
Your new family favourite Awaits
More than just dinner, this Doritos Chicken Casserole recipe is your no fail way to get your family or friends at the table for a meal that will please them all. Its shiny strips of creamy, cheesy layers sandwiched between crunchy Doritos are sure to become a fixture in your recipe rotation.
Try one of these, and let us know how it goes! Are there any creative spins on the recipe? We’d love to hear them. Bon appétit and have a great cooking!