Doritos Chicken Casserole

Doritos Chicken Casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional comfort food, combining the irresistible crunch of nacho cheese Doritos with hearty ingredients like shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. This casserole is a flavorful medley of Mexican-inspired flavors, enhanced by creamy textures from sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup.

Topped with melted Mexican blend cheese and crunchy Doritos, this dish is baked to perfection, making it a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal that the whole family will love.

Doritos Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

1 14.5 oz. package nacho cheese Doritos chips, lightly crushed

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken shredded

1 13.25 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 13.25 oz. can whole corn kernels, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese grated, divided

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 4 oz. can diced green chiles

1 10.75 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 8 oz. container sour cream

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350º F and light grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes and green chiles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning.

Mix together until completely incorporated.

Step 3:

Spread half of your lightly crushed Doritos chips into the baking dish, then pour the chicken mixture over the top and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4:

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 5:

Remove from oven and top with remaining Doritos and cheese.

Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6:

Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with cilantro, if desired.

Notes:

If you prefer spicier food, add a can of diced jalapeños or some chopped fresh jalapeños to the mixture.

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts for this recipe.This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add the remaining doritos and cheese right before baking.

You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Flavorful Layers: This casserole combines the bold flavors of nacho cheese Doritos with a rich blend of ingredients including shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and diced green chiles, all bound together with creamy elements like sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup.

Ease of Preparation: The recipe is straightforward and requires basic assembly of ingredients in a large bowl before transferring to a baking dish. This makes it convenient for both weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Texture and Crunch: The layering of lightly crushed Doritos provides a satisfying crunch throughout the casserole, contrasting nicely with the creamy and cheesy interior.

Customizable: While the recipe uses nacho cheese Doritos and a Mexican blend cheese, variations can be made with different flavors of Doritos or types of cheese to suit personal preferences.

Baking Instructions: Baking the casserole at 350°F ensures even cooking and melding of flavors. The final step of adding more Doritos and cheese on top gives it a crispy, cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions: Garnishing with cilantro adds a fresh herbal note, but other toppings like diced avocado, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream can also complement the dish.

Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked just before serving, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

Family-Friendly: With its familiar flavors and comforting textures, this dish is likely to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Leftover Potential: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave for quick and easy meals.

Nutritional Considerations: While delicious, this dish is hearty and may be higher in sodium and fat due to ingredients like Doritos, cheese, and condensed soup. Adjustments can be made for dietary preferences or restrictions by using low-sodium options or incorporating additional vegetables.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 450 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 40 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Fiber: 5 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of Doritos chips?

Yes, you can use a different type of Doritos chips if you prefer.

The recipe calls for nacho cheese Doritos, but you can experiment with other flavors like cool ranch, spicy sweet chili, or any other variety that you enjoy.

Can I use different types of cheese in the casserole?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Mexican blend cheese, you can use other types of cheese as well.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of these cheeses can work well in the casserole.

Use your preferred cheese or a blend that suits your taste.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this casserole.

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken substitutes.

For a vegan version, you can also replace the dairy products with vegan cheese, sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken soup alternatives available in the market.

Can I add additional vegetables or toppings to the casserole?

Certainly! You can customize the casserole by adding additional vegetables or toppings to suit your taste.

Consider incorporating diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.

You can also garnish the finished casserole with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, in addition to the suggested cilantro garnish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time.

After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator and bake it according to the instructions.

Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be slightly extended if starting with a cold casserole.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking it specifically for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe.

You can use any leftover chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken.

Shred the cooked chicken and incorporate it into the casserole as directed.

Can I make this casserole spicy?

Yes, you can make this casserole spicy by adjusting the ingredients.

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use spicy nacho cheese Doritos or add additional diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

Customize the level of spiciness based on your preference.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free Doritos chips or substituting them with a gluten-free alternative.

Additionally, ensure that the condensed cream of chicken soup, taco seasoning, and other ingredients you use are gluten-free or opt for gluten-free versions.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions, adjusting the baking time as needed to ensure it is heated through.