Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole
This Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, a creamy and flavorful sauce, gooey melted cheese, and the irresistible crunch of Doritos. It’s a family favorite that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)
- 1/2 cup diced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Pour the chicken mixture over the Doritos and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Top with the remaining crushed Doritos for an extra crunchy layer.
- Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top layer to get golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
- If using optional toppings, sprinkle diced green onions, tomatoes, and black olives over the top for extra freshness and color.
- Serve warm and enjoy with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a dollop of sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy and quick to make – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with cheesy, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
- Customizable – add jalapeños for heat or swap in different cheese varieties.
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better the next day.
This Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold, satisfying flavors. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!