Doritos Chicken Casserole

Craving a weeknight dinner that’s bold, cheesy and breaks all the rules? This Doritos chicken casserole is packed with savory chicken, zesty taco seasoning and gooey cheddar, all layered with crispy nacho-flavored chips. It’s a meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort—a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit around the table. Every bite brings a perfect blend of crunch and creamy goodness, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Doritos Chicken Casserole Ingredients

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• Chicken breast: Cubed cooked chicken provides the main protein for the dish and adds heartiness to the casserole.
• Black beans: The black beans contribute fiber and a creamy texture, helping to balance the flavors of the dish.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: The acidity from the tomatoes and the mild heat from the chiles bring brightness and a slight kick to the casserole.
• Cream of chicken soup: The condensed soup serves as the creamy base, binding the ingredients together for a rich, cohesive texture. Use your favorite brand, or try a homemade cream of chicken soup.
• Whole kernel corn: The canned corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of texture to contrast the creamy elements.
• Chicken broth: Reduced-sodium chicken broth adds moisture to the casserole while enhancing the savory flavor.
• Taco seasoning: This seasoning blend adds bold, spiced flavor and depth to the dish. If you don’t keep this seasoning blend on hand, try a homemade taco seasoning.
• Doritos nacho chips: Crushed Doritos bring a crunchy texture and cheesy flavor, adding a fun, indulgent element to the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese melts into a gooey layer that adds richness and complements the spiced flavors.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream will balance the spiciness and add a cooling element, while chopped avocado adds creaminess and a fresh, buttery contrast. Salsa offers a zesty, tangy element that brightens each bite, and minced cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy finish to complement the other bold flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, condensed cream of chicken soup, drained corn, chicken broth and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Layer the casserole

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Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread half the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the dish. Spread half the chicken mixture evenly over the Doritos, then sprinkle 1-1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken. Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos, chicken and cheese.

Step 3: Bake and serve

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Cover the dish with foil, and bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s heated through. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, another five to seven minutes. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it with sour cream, avocado, salsa and/or cilantro, as desired.

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Doritos Chicken Casserole Variations

• Swap the protein: Use cooked ground beef, shredded pork or rotisserie chicken in place of the cubed chicken breast for a different flavor and texture.
• Add more veggies: Stir in sauteed onions, bell peppers or spinach to pack in extra nutrients and flavor without altering the creaminess.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with more beans or a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh to create a meatless version.
• Use a different cheese: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a spicier kick, or swap in Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier option.
• Serve it in individual portions: Bake the casserole in muffin tins for perfectly portioned individual servings.

How to Store Doritos Chicken Casserole

To store chicken Dorito casserole, let it cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Keep the casserole in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze Doritos chicken casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Doritos chicken casserole. To do so, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How long does Doritos chicken casserole last?

In the refrigerator, this chicken casserole with Doritos will stay fresh for up to three days when tightly covered or properly stored in an airtight container. If frozen, it can last for up to three months.

Can you make Doritos chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily make Doritos chicken casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe’s baking instructions.

How do you reheat this chicken casserole with Doritos?

To reheat this Mexican chicken casserole with Doritos, preheat your oven to 350° and cover the dish with foil to prevent the chips from burning. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. For smaller portions, microwave on medium power for two to three minutes, checking for even heating.

Doritos Chicken Casserole Tips

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Can I use a different type of soup in the casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with other creamy soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery or even a cheesy condensed soup if you want to add extra richness.

How can I make Dorito chicken casserole healthier?

To lighten up the casserole, use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos, reduce the amount of cheese or swap out the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat version. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to bulk up the dish while keeping it nutritious.

Can I make this chicken casserole with Doritos in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Doritos chicken casserole in a slow cooker by layering just the chicken and cheese as you would in the oven. Cook on low for three to four hours, or on high for one to two hours, adding the Doritos as a top layer during the last 30 minutes to keep the chips from getting too soft.