Doritos Chicken Casserole

Save this recipe on:

Doritos Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—rich, cheesy, crunchy, and bursting with bold flavor. Think tender shredded chicken layered with zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy soup, melted cheese, and of course, crispy nacho cheese Doritos. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the dinner table, especially on a busy weeknight when you need something that’s quick, filling, and full of fun flavor.

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a fun potluck idea, or simply craving something indulgent and cheesy, Doritos Chicken Casserole delivers. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, it transforms humble ingredients into something that’s wildly satisfying and irresistibly good.

---

Ingredients for this Doritos Chicken Casserole

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large bag (9.75 oz) nacho cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions

---

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Shred your cooked chicken (if you haven’t already), and crush the Doritos slightly—don’t pulverize them, just enough to make layers more manageable while keeping a good crunch.

---

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, drained Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined into a creamy, savory filling.

---

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spread a generous layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of the chicken mixture over the chips and gently spread it out. Add another layer of crushed Doritos, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Finish with a final sprinkle of Doritos on top, followed by extra shredded cheese.

---

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

---

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, garnish with your favorite toppings—chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of creamy, cheesy, crunchy goodness!

---

Storage Instructions

Doritos Chicken Casserole stores beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole (preferably without the top layer of chips to preserve texture). Wrap tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, though the chips will be softer.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands and customizations.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use plain tortilla chips instead of Doritos?

Yes, but you’ll lose the bold nacho cheese flavor that makes this casserole unique. Feel free to season the dish a bit more if swapping chips.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What kind of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is the easiest and tastiest option, but you can use any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat.

4. Is it spicy?

The heat level is mild. For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños or chili powder.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Black beans, corn, or even bell peppers make great additions without overpowering the flavors.

6. How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Bake the casserole uncovered and serve shortly after baking to retain the crunch. Adding the top chip layer just before baking also helps.

7. Is it gluten-free?

Not inherently. Use gluten-free Doritos and soup alternatives to make it gluten-free.

8. Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious swaps or additions.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: