Name: Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 family-size bag (about 10 oz) Doritos, lightly crushed (reserve some for topping); 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained; 1 ½ cups shredded fiesta blend cheese (or cheese blend of your choice), divided; ½ medium onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest! Imagine tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a crunchy Dorito topping—what’s not to love? This dish is like a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds, with the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something cozy, this casserole hits the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole

Comforting: The creamy filling and cheesy goodness, paired with that crispy Dorito crunch, make for the ultimate cozy meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, this casserole comes together quickly and effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. The cheesy, slightly spicy Doritos are a big hit with everyone at the table.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish—less mess, less cleanup, and more time to relax after a long day.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe. Serve it at your next gathering, and you’ll be the star of the show.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this cheesy, crunchy casserole:

For the Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole:

Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives the casserole that creamy, comforting texture and brings all the flavors together.
Sour Cream: Adds a nice tang and richness that complements the cheese and chicken perfectly.
Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with melted cheddar in a casserole. It’s gooey, melty, and oh-so-cheesy.
Doritos: The crunch factor! Use classic Nacho Cheese Doritos for that iconic flavor and crisp texture that makes this casserole stand out.
Onion Powder: For that savory depth of flavor that blends beautifully with the chicken and cheese.
Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Milk: To thin out the soup and make the sauce extra creamy.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, crunchy casserole:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly finish.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your casserole.
Layer the Casserole:
Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then layer the chicken mixture in the bottom of the dish. Spread it out evenly.
Add the Doritos:
Crush a generous amount of Doritos and sprinkle them over the top of the chicken mixture. This will add that signature crunch to the casserole. Don’t be shy with the Doritos—this is what gives the dish its unique texture and flavor!
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the crushed Doritos. The more cheese, the better! It will melt beautifully and form a delicious, gooey layer.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The casserole will be hot, so give it a moment to settle. Slice it up, dish it out, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Total Carbs: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 30g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 24g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole

This Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm garlic bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness from the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a great healthy side to balance the richness of the dish.
Rice: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice to make the meal even more filling.

Presentation matters too! Garnish the casserole with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Customize with Veggies: You can add in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas to the chicken mixture to sneak in some veggies.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the chicken mixture.
Add Extra Crunch: For even more crunch, top the casserole with additional Doritos right before serving.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor profile. Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment!

Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
A2: Yes! Just make sure to cook and shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can either bake, boil, or cook it in a slow cooker.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: Can I use other chips besides Doritos?
A4: While Doritos are key for that classic flavor, you can experiment with other chips, like tortilla chips or even cheese puffs. Just be sure to crush them up for that perfect crunch.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake it from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake.

Q6: Can I use a different type of soup?
A6: If you prefer, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a slightly different flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q8: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A8: Yes! Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.

Q9: How can I make this casserole more nutritious?
A9: You can add in some extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make it a bit more wholesome.

Q10: Can I use tortilla chips instead of Doritos?
A10: While Doritos give this casserole a signature flavor, tortilla chips will work in a pinch. Just make sure to crush them before adding them to the casserole.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunch. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side dish, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!