Description
Doritos chicken casserole brings comfort and zest to family dinner tables with its crunchy, cheesy layers. Spicy shredded chicken meets crisp tortilla chips, creating a southwestern-inspired dish that satisfies hungry crowds with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups (907 grams) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 3 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup (or another cream of chicken)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 (11 ounces / 312 grams) bag Doritos (nacho cheese flavor), crushed
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray and heating the oven to a robust 375F (190C).
- Create a flavor-packed mixture by blending shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, tangy sour cream, aromatic chili powder, earthy cumin, and pungent garlic powder.
- Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the seasoned chicken blend, ensuring a smooth and cohesive consistency.
- Construct the casserole’s foundation by distributing a generous layer of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spread the chicken and cheese mixture over the crunchy Doritos base, creating an even layer that promises rich flavor in every bite.
- Crown the casserole with the remaining crushed Doritos, forming a crispy top layer that will provide delightful texture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the Doritos, creating a golden, melty surface that will become irresistibly crisp and bubbling.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown cheese topping and bubbling edges.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for optimal serving temperature.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, vibrant cilantro, or spicy jalapeños according to personal preference.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the Doritos retain their satisfying crunch.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
- Swap regular Doritos with healthier alternatives like baked tortilla chips or whole grain chips to reduce sodium and fat content for health-conscious eaters.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream soups and checking that Doritos are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep ahead by cooking chicken and mixing filling a day before, then assemble and bake when ready to serve, saving time for busy home cooks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg