Name: Dorito Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups crushed nacho cheese Doritos (divided); 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a meal that everyone will enjoy. With layers of creamy chicken filling, gooey cheese, and crispy Doritos, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked, shredded chicken
Nacho cheese Doritos
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Taco seasoning
Onion powder
Garlic powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Rotel, taco seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Crush a layer of Doritos into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Repeat with another layer of crushed Doritos, the rest of the chicken mixture, and more cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm with extra Doritos on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Use spicy Doritos and add jalapeños.
Different Cheese: Try pepper jack or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
Healthier Twist: Use baked tortilla chips and light sour cream.
Buffalo Style: Stir in buffalo sauce and top with ranch drizzle.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the chips crispy. Microwave reheating works but may soften the Doritos. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months—cover tightly with foil and thaw before baking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut for this recipe.

What kind of Doritos work best?

Nacho Cheese is classic, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho work too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it without the Doritos, then add chips just before baking.

Can I use a different soup base?

Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup also works.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and mild cheese.

Can I freeze Dorito chicken casserole?

Yes, freeze before or after baking, but add fresh Doritos for crunch when reheating.

Do the chips stay crunchy?

They soften slightly but still add texture. Top with extra crushed Doritos before serving for crunch.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with black beans, corn, and peppers.

What sides go with it?

It pairs well with a simple salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger 9×13-inch dish for feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

Dorito chicken casserole is a fun, easy, and cheesy dish that combines comfort food with bold Tex-Mex flavors. With layers of creamy chicken, melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.