Dorito Chicken Casserole

Dorito Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Dorito Chicken Casserole is a family-favorite dish that combines creamy, cheesy, and crunchy layers into one irresistible casserole. With tender chicken, tangy seasonings, and the bold flavor of Doritos, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. It’s comfort food at its finest and super easy to make!

Ingredients Quantity

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup (optional, or replace with another can of cream of chicken)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
  • 1 (9.75 oz) bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (reserve 1 cup for topping)

Optional Additions

  • Black Beans: Add 1 cup of rinsed and drained black beans for extra protein and texture.
  • Corn Kernels: Add 1 cup of canned or frozen corn for a touch of sweetness.
  • Jalapeños: Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole before serving for a fresh, herby touch.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose Quality Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can also use baked or boiled chicken breasts.
  2. Layer Doritos Properly: Avoid over-crushing the Doritos for the base layer; they should be bite-sized to hold their crunch.
  3. Avoid Soggy Toppings: Add the reserved crushed Doritos just before the final baking to keep them crispy.
  4. Customize Seasoning: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy Rotel.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (if using), sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well blended.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of crushed Doritos (about half the bag) on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the chips.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken mixture.
  5. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Add Crunchy Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crushed Doritos over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Description

This casserole is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures, with bold, zesty flavors from the Doritos and tomatoes with green chilies. The melted cheese creates a luscious, gooey layer, while the crispy Dorito topping adds a satisfying crunch. Each bite is packed with cheesy, savory goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~430
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Conclusion

Dorito Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings joy to the dinner table. With its creamy filling, crunchy topping, and vibrant flavors, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Recommendation

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For added flavor, drizzle with a dollop of salsa or a side of guacamole. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great meal prep option

Enjoy every bite of this hearty, cheesy goodness!

Leave a Comment