Description
Mexican-inspired Doritos chicken casserole brings together cheesy layers of comfort and crunch in one delightful dish. Crispy tortilla chips, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (907 g) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 3 cups (340 g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup (227 g) sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of mushroom soup (or another cream of chicken)
- 1 (11 oz / 312 g) bag Doritos (nacho cheese flavor), crushed
- 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
- Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder into a harmonious mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Cheese Integration: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the seasoned chicken blend, creating a uniform and creamy consistency.
- Base Layer: Spread a robust foundation of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a crunchy base.
- Layering: Evenly distribute the chicken and cheese mixture over the Doritos, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
- Topping Construction: Generously cover the casserole with remaining crushed Doritos and sprinkle additional cheddar cheese, creating a golden, crispy exterior.
- Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden-brown and edges become bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest briefly, then garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños for added visual and flavor complexity.
- Serving: Present immediately to maintain the optimal temperature and crisp texture of the Doritos.
Notes
- Ensure Doritos Crunch: Use fresh Doritos and crush them just before layering to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Balance Moisture Levels: Drain diced tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole too watery and compromise the Doritos’ texture.
- Customize Spice Profile: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities based on personal heat preference, allowing for a personalized flavor experience.
- Prevent Burning Edges: Cover casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if cheese or Doritos start browning too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing burnt spots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 564
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg