Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this irresistible Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole. Layers of crunchy, cheesy Doritos meet tender, flavorful chicken, all wrapped up in a creamy, zesty filling and topped with golden melted cheese. This dish delivers on both texture and taste, making it a go-to weeknight favorite or potluck showstopper. The Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to prepare!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole is in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing richness, tang, crunch, and that signature pop of color to your table. Let’s break down the essentials that make this dish unforgettable!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken saves you time and gives juicy, tender protein to the dish.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy, savory base that binds all the flavors together and keeps every bite luscious.
- Sour cream: Adds the perfect amount of tang and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup.
- Milk: Helps loosen the filling just enough so it stays velvety but never soupy.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): Brings a zing of spice, color, and a touch of acidity that brightens every layer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the casserole, delivering that ooey-gooey finish we all crave.
- Garlic powder: Gives a mellow, aromatic backing note that rounds out the flavors.
- Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and savory depth, right where you want it.
- Black pepper: Just enough to enhance all the other spices, without overpowering them.
- Nacho cheese Doritos (crushed): The star of the show—these crunchy chips create a playful crust and a burst of cheese flavor you can’t get anywhere else.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): The freshest finishing touch, adding a pop of color and herby brightness.
How to Make Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup. This little step sets you up for casserole success!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix it all together until you have a well-blended, creamy, and colorful mixture that already smells amazing!
Step 3: Layer the Doritos and Chicken Mixture
Grab your prepared baking dish and scatter half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom. This crunchy foundation keeps the casserole from getting soggy as it bakes. Then, evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture over the Dorito base—every bite should get some of that irresistible filling!
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Top and Cheese
Now sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the chicken filling, forming a vibrant, rippled topping. Follow that with the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese so that every edge and corner gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish on the center rack and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the whole casserole is bubbling along the sides. Let it cool just five minutes, so it sets slightly but stays piping hot.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. This is the moment everyone’s been waiting for—spoon out generous helpings and watch the happiness spread!
How to Serve Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
A final flourish is always welcome. Scatter fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and freshness on top of your Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole. If you’re feeling extra festive, a dollop of sour cream or even sliced jalapeños can really make each serving pop!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp salads—think a simple green salad or a tangy slaw to balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables, or a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad for a summery twist.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for fun personal servings. You could even serve the Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole in tortilla bowls, or top each portion with extra crushed Doritos tableside for an added crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a delicious treat! Once cooled, cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This casserole is a champ in the freezer department. Assemble it up to the point of baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through (usually about 20 minutes). For a quick lunch, microwave single servings in a microwave-safe dish until hot, then add a sprinkle of fresh Doritos for that just-baked crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?
Absolutely! While nacho cheese Doritos are classic, try cool ranch or spicy variations for a fun twist in your Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate the casserole (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from chilled.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and be sure your chosen Doritos variety is certified gluten-free. Everything else should be naturally safe!
Can I use canned chicken in a pinch?
Canned chicken will work for a super speedy version, but the texture is best with rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken. Either way, your Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole will still taste amazing!
What’s the best way to crush Doritos for this recipe?
For just the right texture, pour chips into a large zip-top bag and gently press them with your hands or a rolling pin. Avoid pulverizing them into dust—some chunky bits give the best crunch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and smiles all around, you simply have to try this Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole. It’s a dish that never fails to bring a bit of fun to your dinner table, and I can’t wait for you to dig in and make it your own!
Print
Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, crunchy Doritos, and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the crushed Doritos in the baking dish, spoon the chicken mixture over the Doritos, top with the remaining Doritos and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with cilantro or green onions, and serve.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend.
- For extra heat, add hot sauce or use spicy Doritos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
