Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole

By Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com

Introduction

There are casseroles, and then there’s this Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole—a melty, crunchy, flavor-packed dinner that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. Picture layers of juicy shredded chicken, creamy seasoned sauce, melted cheese, and everyone’s favorite: Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, dealing with picky eaters, or just need a quick meal with serious flavor, this recipe hits all the right notes.

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Why I Love This Recipe

Casseroles are the MVP of home cooking, and this one brings bold Tex-Mex flair with almost zero effort. The crushed Doritos give it an addictive crunch, while the creamy Rotel-spiked sauce ties it all together with cheesy goodness.

It’s in the same comfort food league as crowd-pleasers like my Crockpot Nacho Dip and Sheet Pan Quesadillas.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 bag (10–12 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños

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Ingredient Swaps & Notes

• Doritos: Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch can give a fun twist.
• Chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken or swap with shredded turkey.
• Cheese: Add a blend like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
• Rotel substitute: Use diced tomatoes + chopped green chilies if needed.

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, drained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Stir until smooth.

3. Layer the Casserole:

• Spread half the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add the shredded chicken evenly across the Doritos.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and spread with a spatula.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

4. Top and Bake:

• Add the rest of the crushed Doritos, then the remaining cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Garnish & Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for a zesty finish.

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Tips for Success

• Crush Doritos lightly: You want bite-sized pieces, not Dorito dust.
• Don’t skip the foil: It prevents the cheese from burning before the casserole heats through.
• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Saves major time and adds flavor.
• Let it rest: Cooling for 5–10 minutes helps the layers set for easier slicing.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

• A crunchy side salad with lime vinaigrette
• A scoop of guacamole or Beer Cheese Dip
• Corn on the cob or Mexican-style street corn
• For a fun dinner party theme, serve with Totchos or a DIY Walking Taco Bar

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Storage & Leftovers

• Store: In the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Oven is best at 325°F for 15 minutes to preserve crispness.
• Freezing: Skip the top layer of Doritos before freezing. Add fresh Doritos and cheese before baking.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If this casserole hit the spot, you’ll also want to try:

• Crockpot Nacho Dip
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Totchos
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Walking Taco Bar

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Final Thoughts

This Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food crossover—effortless, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or just indulging in a guilty pleasure, it’s bound to be a repeat request.

Let me know if you make it! Share your twist in the comments and follow for more comforting, craveable meals from my kitchen to yours.

🍴 Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!