Comfort food has always been a big part of my life growing up in the heartland. One dish that has never failed to deliver that cozy, satisfying feeling is this Doritos Chicken and Cheese Casserole. The great thing about it is that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen making it—it’s a quick fix for busy weeknights when all you want is something filling and delicious, like a Doritos casserole! It’s a favorite among children due to the crispy Doritos, melted cheese, and juicy tender chicken bits.
This casserole pairs perfectly with any fresh, crisp salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich dish. Steamed vegetables or a simple fruit salad also make great accompaniments. Alternatively, serve it with garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent—you can use the bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Doritos Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Great for using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts for those in a hurry.
1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed: Serves as the crunchy, cheesy part of the casserole.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Forms the creamy base that ties all the flavors together.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the chicken mixture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Adds a juicy heat and tanginess to the dish.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor that blends nicely with the richness of the casserole.
1 tsp taco seasoning: Enhances the flavor by adding some spice and warmth.
Salt and pepper to taste: For perfect seasoning.
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Layer the Doritos
Evenly spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a crispy foundation for the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the Doritos layer, ensuring that each bite contains all the ingredients.
Top with Cheese and Doritos
Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the chicken mixture, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Add Green Onions
Scatter the chopped green onions over the surface as a fresh garnish.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in places.
Let It Rest
After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
Spice It Up: For extra heat, use Spicy Nacho Doritos instead of the regular flavor, or mix a little hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
Healthier Swap: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that cuts down on calories while maintaining creaminess.
Veggie Boost: This dish is flexible enough to accommodate additional vegetables. Consider mixing in corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for added color, nutrition, and flavor.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack adds spice, while a combination of cheddar and mozzarella results in a mild, creamy finish.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Don’t add the Doritos and cheese until just before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
While this casserole is a full meal on its own, it pairs well with a light green salad for a balanced contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, also make excellent sides. For something different, serve it with guacamole or salsa.
Once you try this casserole, it will become a regular hit at your home. It’s comforting, tasty, and very simple to make—making it the perfect option for any meal!
Doritos Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 bag 9.75 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Layer the Doritos: Evenly spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the Doritos layer.
- Top with Cheese and Doritos: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the chicken mixture and top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Green Onions: Scatter the chopped green onions over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving.