Name: Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced; 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 10 oz. diced tomatoes with chiles (such as Rotel); 10 oz. cream of mushroom soup; 10 oz. cream of chicken soup; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups roughly broken Doritos chips (Cool Ranch flavor preferred); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food—Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole! Sure to become a family favorite, this dish is packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and crunchy Dorito magic. The best part? It’s incredibly quick and simple to prepare, making it the perfect go-to dinner for those busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: Toss everything together, layer, and bake—it’s truly that simple. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and hearty!
Kid-Friendly: The Cool Ranch Doritos add a fun, zippy flavor that’s guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Comfort Food at its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this casserole feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Customizable: Make it your own! Add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or try different flavors of Doritos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece:

Variations

Spice It Up: If you’re into more heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or spicy Doritos.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-loaded version.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for extra kick or Colby jack for a milder option.
Flavor Twist: Go bold with Nacho Cheese or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos instead of Cool Ranch.
Kid-Friendly Veggies: Sneak in diced zucchini, corn, or carrots for a little nutrition boost.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Transfer everything to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

To the bowl with your veggies, add the diced tomatoes with chiles, cream soups, chicken broth, sour cream, and spices. Mix everything until it’s well combined. Trust me—this sauce is the heart of the dish!

Step 4: Layer It Up

Spread a heaping ½ cup of the sauce mixture onto the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This helps prevent sticking. Set aside another heaping ½ cup of sauce for later—it’s your topper!

Now for the layers:

Layer half of the shredded chicken over the base sauce.
Pour half of the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle one-third of your shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce, followed by half of the Doritos.
Repeat the layers: chicken, sauce, cheese, and chips.

Finish it all off by spreading the reserved sauce over the top and sprinkling on the rest of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes. (Don’t peek—leave that oven door closed!) Then crank the heat up to 400°F and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Let your casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. It’ll firm up slightly and be easier to scoop.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Go Rotisserie: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a savory punch of flavor.
Crunchy Topping: Reserve a few fresh Dorito crumbs to sprinkle on top after baking for extra crunch.
Blender Hack: For picky eaters, puree the sauce so the veggies are hidden but still deliver flavor.
Don’t Overbake: The goal is bubbly and golden, not dried out! Watch it closely when upping the oven temp.

How to Serve

This casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal, but adding some simple sides will make it shine:

Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for fresh flavor.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly.
Rice and Beans: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete Tex-Mex feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can make this casserole ahead and freeze it! Assemble it as directed (but skip the baking step). Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave or pop the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next day for best results.

2. Can I use different flavors of Doritos?
Yes! While Cool Ranch is iconic here, Nacho Cheese or even Spicy Sweet Chili would be amazing alternatives.

3. How can I make this casserole less spicy?
Omit the diced tomatoes with chiles and opt for plain diced tomatoes. You can also adjust or skip the chili powder.

4. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, if you’re in a pinch, canned chicken works. Just shred it well and add a little seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole is everything busy cooks dream of—easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re whipping it up for a hungry family or entertaining friends, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Go ahead, grab that bag of Doritos, and get cooking—comfort food bliss awaits!

Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole Recipe