Doritos Casserole with Chicken is a cheesy, crunchy, flavor-packed dish that layers seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crushed Doritos into one irresistible bake. It’s a comforting and fun twist on taco night that I love serving when I want something bold and satisfying with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s fast, family-friendly, and full of bold flavor. It uses simple ingredients I usually have on hand and comes together in one baking dish. The creamy chicken filling combined with spicy Doritos and gooey cheese is always a hit. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the next day, it delivers every time.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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Nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
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Cream of chicken soup
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Sour cream
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Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Taco seasoning
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Onion, finely chopped
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Olive oil or butter (for sautéing the onion)
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Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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I heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
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In a large bowl, I mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, tomatoes with green chilies, sautéed onions, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese.
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I spread a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom of the baking dish.
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I pour the chicken mixture over the Doritos and spread it evenly.
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I sprinkle more crushed Doritos on top and finish with the remaining cheese.
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I bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
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I garnish with green onions or cilantro before serving, if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes me around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so dinner is on the table in under 45 minutes.
Variations
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I swap sour cream for Greek yogurt when I want it lighter.
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For extra spice, I add jalapeños or use spicy Doritos.
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I sometimes stir in black beans or corn to stretch the filling.
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I make it vegetarian by using black beans and skipping the chicken.
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I drizzle with taco sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use the oven or microwave. If I want to keep the topping crunchy, I add a few fresh crushed Doritos just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Doritos casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the casserole and refrigerate it (without the top layer of Doritos) up to a day ahead. Right before baking, I add the Doritos topping so it stays crispy.
What kind of chicken works best?
I use any cooked shredded chicken—rotisserie is my go-to for convenience. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken also works great.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, I freeze it before baking. I wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding the Doritos topping fresh before baking.
Are there other Dorito flavors I can use?
Absolutely. I’ve used Cool Ranch and Spicy Sweet Chili for different flavor twists. Nacho cheese is classic, but it’s fun to experiment.
How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?
I add a layer of fresh crushed Doritos on top just before baking and bake uncovered to keep them crispy. If I’m storing leftovers, I add more Doritos when reheating for extra crunch.
Conclusion
Doritos Casserole with Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, crunchy comfort food dream. It’s quick to make, packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd. I love how fun and flexible it is—no matter how I switch it up, it always disappears fast.
