Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole is quick to assemble, deeply satisfying, and packed with flavor. The crushed Doritos add a fun, cheesy crunch, while the creamy filling keeps everything rich and hearty. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie meat. I often make it ahead and reheat leftovers for easy lunches.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cooking spray

• 1 (14.5-ounce) bag nacho cheese-flavored Doritos, crushed

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

• 1½ cups salsa

• 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

• 8 ounces sour cream

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. I spread the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. In a large bowl, I stir together the chopped chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, salsa, drained corn, both condensed soups, and sour cream until well combined.

4. I pour the chicken mixture over the layer of crushed chips in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. I bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

6. I then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles instead of salsa for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Option: I substitute the chicken with black beans or a meatless chicken alternative to make it vegetarian-friendly.

• Different Chips: For a twist, I use Cool Ranch Doritos or spicy flavored chips to change up the flavor profile.

• Additional Veggies: I like to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice.

• Taco Seasoning: Mixing in a packet of taco seasoning enhances the Tex-Mex flavor.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place a portion in the microwave and heat until warmed through, or I cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing this casserole, as the chips can become soggy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, I layer it over the crushed chips and proceed with baking.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely. I sometimes use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack cheese to suit my taste preferences.

Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?

To lighten it up, I use reduced-fat sour cream and soups, and opt for baked tortilla chips instead of regular Doritos.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, I often add ingredients like black beans, diced tomatoes, or green onions to enhance the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole is a comforting, satisfying meal that I turn to time and again. Its rich, creamy filling and crunchy chip topping make it a family favorite that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a dish that never fails to please.