Meet the Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole, a cozy meal that everyone loves! It’s all about cheesy, creamy layers with a fun Doritos crunch. I adore how the cheese melts into the chicken, creating a warm, hearty bite every time.
In this dish, the Doritos bring a playful, tasty twist to a classic chicken casserole. It’s a hit at my family gatherings, and I bet it will be at yours too. Simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to bring smiles to the table, let’s get into how you can whip it up!
Table of Content
Ingredients You Need For Doritos Chicken Casserole:
- Doritos: We use them for crunch and bold cheese flavor. Crushed and put on the bottom, they make a tasty base.
- Chicken: I use rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy, easy to shred, and fills the dish with hearty protein.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives us melty, gooey, and slightly sharp flavors. It’s inside and on top!
- Salsa: Pick your favorite! It adds a spicy, tangy taste. I like a medium heat salsa for a bit of zing.
- Corn: Canned or frozen, it adds a sweet pop. Make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture.
- Condensed Soup: Cream of chicken and mushroom soups make it rich and creamy. Any brand is fine, but I often grab Campbell’s.
- Sour Cream: It gives a cool, creamy, and slightly tangy note, balancing the rich flavors.
- Cooking Spray: A quick spray keeps the casserole from sticking. Any basic, non-flavored spray works.
- Ro-Tel Canned Tomatoes (Optional): You can swap salsa for these if you want a different but still yummy taste.
Quick Look at Making Doritos Chicken Casserole:
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this delightful Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole:
- Crush and Layer Doritos: Start by crushing the Doritos and placing them as the first layer in your baking dish.
- Mix Main Ingredients: Combine shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, corn, condensed soups, and sour cream in a bowl.
- Layer the Mixture: Pour and spread the chicken mixture over the Doritos layer in the baking dish.
- Bake and Add Cheese: First, bake for a bit. Then, add more cheese on top and bake a little more until it’s melty and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a moment, then dig in and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness!
Ingredients List:
Crispy Casserole Base:
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) of Doritos, crushed
- Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Creamy Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie recommended)
- 2 cups of cheese, shredded (1 cup for mixture, 1 cup for topping; a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup of salsa (medium heat)
- 1 cup of corn, drained (canned or frozen)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
Optional:
- You may substitute salsa with 1 can of Ro-Tel canned tomatoes if preferred.
Kitchen Tools for Doritos Chicken Casserole:
Making this casserole is a breeze with the right tools! Here’s a quick list of kitchen equipment you’ll need:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch size is perfect.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine your filling ingredients.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure smaller ingredient amounts.
- Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How to Make Doritos Chicken Casserole:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Crunchy Dorito Base:
- Crush the Doritos to your desired size. You can place them in a sealed bag and gently use a rolling pin to crush them.
- Spread the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms a crunchy, flavorful base for your casserole.
3. Mix the Creamy Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Shredded chicken: Ensure it’s evenly shredded to distribute throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup of shredded cheese: Save the other cup for later!
- Salsa: Or Ro-Tel canned tomatoes if you’re using that option.
- Corn: Ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Both cans of condensed soup: These add a creamy, rich texture.
- Sour cream: For a tangy, creamy element.
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the Doritos layer in your baking dish.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the Doritos, ensuring an even layer.
5. Bake Your Doritos Chicken Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
- Visual Cue: The edges should start to bubble slightly.
6. Add Final Cheesy Touch:
- Remove the casserole from the oven (be sure to use oven mitts to protect your hands!).
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Visual Cue: The cheese should be melty, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve Your Doritos Chicken Casserole:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, ensuring each portion includes a bit of the crunchy Doritos base and the creamy, cheesy topping.
- Enjoy the harmonious blend of crunchy, creamy, and cheesy in every bite!
Adapting the Doritos Chicken Casserole for Various Diets:
1. Gluten-Free:
- Doritos: Opt for a gluten-free tortilla chip brand instead of traditional Doritos. Ensure to check the label for a certified gluten-free mark.
- Condensed Soups: Look for gluten-free versions of cream of chicken and mushroom soups. Brands like “Pacific Foods” offer gluten-free alternatives.
2. Dairy-Free:
- Cheese: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Brands like “Daiya” or “Violife” offer shredded cheese alternatives that melt well.
- Sour Cream: Opt for a dairy-free sour cream substitute available in most grocery stores.
- Note: The texture might be slightly different with dairy-free cheese, but you’ll still achieve a creamy, satisfying casserole.
3. Vegetarian:
- Chicken: Substitute with a plant-based chicken alternative like those from “Beyond Meat” or “Gardein,” or use a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Condensed Soup: Ensure to use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup.
4. Vegan:
Combine vegetarian and dairy-free alternatives:
- Use both plant-based chicken and dairy-free cheese and sour cream.
- Ensure all substituted products, like soups, are vegan-friendly.
5. Nut-Free:
- Ensure that the dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes do not contain nuts, as some brands use cashews. Brands like “So Delicious” offer nut-free, dairy-free alternatives.
6. Low-Sodium:
- Condensed Soups: Opt for low-sodium versions of the cream of chicken and mushroom soups to reduce the salt content.
- Cheese: Choose a low-sodium cheese or reduce the amount used in the recipe.
- Doritos: Consider using lightly salted tortilla chips or a low-sodium alternative.
FAQs and Common Issues for Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole:
Why did my casserole turn out soggy and how can I prevent it?
Ensure to drain the corn and, if using Ro-Tel tomatoes, drain them as well. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients as it can break down the Doritos too much.
My Doritos didn’t stay crunchy. How can I fix this?
The crunch of Doritos can be preserved by ensuring they are not crushed too finely and by not overmixing them with wet ingredients. In your next attempt, try to keep the Doritos in slightly larger pieces and layer them with the wet ingredients gently to maintain their structure and crunch throughout the baking process.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light coleslaw would pair wonderfully, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
Other Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy!!
- Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan – Easy & Flavorful Recipe
- Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Orecchiette with Pistachio Pesto: An Instant Pot Pasta Delight
Have you liked our Doritos Chicken Cheese Casserole recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks, and let’s spread the baking joy together. Your tips might just be the secret ingredient someone needs!
