Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole

Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It combines tender shredded chicken, a creamy cheesy sauce, and layers of crunchy nacho cheese Doritos—all baked into a bubbly, golden casserole that’s bursting with flavor. It’s bold, easy, and always a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously simple to throw together and always satisfies. The crushed Doritos give it an irresistible crunch and a boost of flavor, while the creamy filling makes each bite rich and comforting. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time I want something fun and family-friendly.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• Nacho cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

• Cream of chicken soup

• Sour cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained

• Taco seasoning

• Onion, finely chopped (optional)

• Green onions or cilantro (for garnish)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, I mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, drained tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning, onion, and about 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

3. I spread a layer of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the dish.

4. I spoon the chicken mixture over the chips and spread it out evenly.

5. I top with more crushed Doritos and the remaining shredded cheese.

6. I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with the cheese melted and lightly golden.

7. I let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with green onions or cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings and takes 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in just 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness. I’ve swapped sour cream for Greek yogurt, added black beans or corn to bulk it up, or used spicy Doritos for a little kick. Ground beef or turkey can replace the chicken if that’s what I have on hand.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions. The chips will soften a bit but still taste great. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the chips lose too much texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the filling and store it in the fridge, then layer and bake when ready. I wait to add the top layer of Doritos until just before baking so they stay crisp.

What kind of chicken works best?

I use cooked shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken is the easiest and most flavorful option. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.

Can I use different Doritos flavors?

Absolutely. I’ve tried Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, and even Flamin’ Hot—all give a different twist that works well.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the diced tomatoes with chiles, but I can tone it down with mild versions or leave them out. To kick it up, I add jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole is a bold, crave-worthy dish I keep in my rotation for easy dinners and casual gatherings. It’s creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with everything I love in one comforting bite. If I’m looking for a fun, fast, and flavorful casserole, this one always hits the spot.