Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole — bold, creamy, and crunchy with layers of seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty Dorito flavor explosion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the crave-worthy crunch of Doritos with cheesy comfort
Easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients

Great way to use up leftover chicken
Kid-approved and loved by adults too
Perfect for meal prepping or make-ahead dinners

Feeds a crowd without much effort
Ready in under an hour
Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins

A one-dish meal with bold Tex-Mex flavor
Deliciously cheesy and satisfying

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon taco seasoning

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon the chicken mixture over the Dorito layer and spread evenly.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
Add the remaining Doritos on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: 520 kcal

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat
Meat Options: Substitute ground beef or turkey instead of chicken

Creamy Upgrade: Use cream cheese in place of sour cream for extra richness
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans and corn instead of chicken
Topping Twist: Finish with chopped green onions, black olives, or avocado slices

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 325°F (163°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold.

Can I Freeze Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole?

Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

What Kind Of Doritos Work Best?

Nacho cheese Doritos are classic, but spicy or ranch-flavored varieties also work well.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

How Do I Keep The Doritos Crunchy?

For best texture, add the top layer of Doritos just before baking. Covering with cheese also helps retain crunch.

Is There A Low-Fat Version?

You can use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-fat soup, but texture and taste may vary.

What Can I Serve With This Casserole?

Pair with a green salad, Mexican rice, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Can I Add Extra Vegetables?

Yes, corn, bell peppers, or black beans are excellent additions for added nutrition.

Is This Casserole Gluten-Free?

It can be made gluten-free with gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free chips.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat within 3 days for best flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that delivers bold flavors and irresistible textures. With its creamy, cheesy filling and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Quick to assemble and endlessly customizable, this casserole is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

More Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Recipes

For fans of bold, cheesy casseroles and easy weeknight meals, here are more recipes you’ll love:

Try the ultra-satisfying Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole, layered with savory beef, cornbread, and melty cheese.

Craving a Tex-Mex twist? Check out the BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake, full of creamy, smoky flavor.
For a quick, crunchy favorite, don’t miss the Cheesy Texas Toast Pizza, perfect for busy nights or game-day snacks.
Mix things up with the hearty and cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, an all-in-one comfort food masterpiece.

Looking for more chicken-based bakes? Try the irresistible Baked Mexican Street Corn Chicken Casserole, full of spice and creamy goodness.

Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A crowd-pleasing, comfort-food casserole layered with crushed Doritos, seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese — perfect for family dinners or game-day feasts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

4 cups nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon the chicken mixture over the Dorito layer and spread evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.

Add the remaining Doritos on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust taco seasoning to taste for more or less spice.

Try adding black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal

Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 33 g

Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 26 g

Cholesterol: 95 mg