Dorito Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that combines crunchy nacho cheese-flavored Doritos with a savory chicken filling, black beans, and cheese. It’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will go crazy for! This recipe is a great way to use rotisserie chicken and can easily be customized to your preferences. Plus, it’s topped with a layer of Doritos that adds the right amount of crunch to the soft, cheesy casserole beneath.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dorito Casserole is a fun dinner idea that your snack-loving kids will love. It’s great for a Taco Tuesday twist or any weeknight when you want something simple yet satisfying. The combination of seasoned meat mixture, black beans, corn, loads of cheese, and a crunchy Dorito topping makes this an easy casserole for your regular dinner rotation. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you prefer ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground beef, this recipe still works. It’s also a fantastic option for picky eaters as the flavors are mild, but customizable.
How to Make Dorito Casserole
Making Dorito Casserole is as simple as layering the ingredients and baking. The preparation is minimal, and the baking time is short, which makes this an easy dinner recipe for those busy nights. You’ll start by layering the Dorito chips, followed by a savory mixture of chicken, beans, cheese, and seasonings, and finish with more crunchy Doritos and melted cheese.
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Ingredients
Nacho Cheese-Flavored Doritos: These chips add a crunchy, cheesy layer to the casserole and help tie in the Mexican flavors. You can use your favorite tortilla chips, but Doritos work best for that cheesy goodness.
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great way to use pre-cooked chicken and save time. Shred the chicken into small pieces for an even layer.
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, these beans add protein and texture to the casserole.
Corn: Drained corn brings a touch of sweetness and color to the mix, balancing out the savory flavors.
Colby Jack Cheese: A combination of colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, this cheese melts beautifully and adds lots of cheesy goodness to the dish.
Ro-tel (Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles): This adds a mild heat and tanginess, perfect for that extra layer of Mexican flavors.
Green Chiles: These mild chiles complement the other ingredients and add a bit of warmth to the casserole.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy base ties all the ingredients together, creating a rich and hearty filling.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to the casserole that balances the other flavors.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning to add a blend of spices to the dish.
Cilantro: Optional for garnish, cilantro adds a pop of freshness if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Step Two: Spread half of the lightly crushed Dorito chips evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. This will create a crispy base layer.
Step Three: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, one cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, Ro-tel, green chiles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This is your flavorful meat mixture.
Step Four: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the layer of Doritos in the baking dish. Make sure the mixture is distributed evenly for consistent layers of flavor in every bite.
Step Five: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and spread the remaining Doritos evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the chips.
Step Six: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown and crispy.
Step Seven: Garnish with cilantro if desired. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This ensures the layers hold together and makes for easier serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Instead of using rotisserie chicken in your Dorito chicken casserole, you can substitute with lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. Simply brown the meat in a large skillet with taco seasoning for a similar flavor.
- Cheese: Feel free to switch up the cheese. Pepper Jack cheese can add a little more spice, while cheddar cheese offers a classic, mild taste. Just make sure you use lots of cheese!
- Chips: We like Nacho Cheese Doritos, but If you prefer Cool Ranch Doritos (my son loves the cool ranch flavor!) or another flavor, swap out the nacho cheese-flavored Doritos for your favorite. You can also use regular tortilla chips if you prefer a less intense flavor.
- Vegetarian: To make this a vegetarian option, leave out the chicken and add more beans or a vegetarian meat substitute. You could also boost the veggies by adding finely diced bell peppers. It’s still a delicious dinner.
- Cream Soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery can work as a replacement.
Best Tips
- Layer Evenly: When layering the Doritos and the chicken mixture, make sure to distribute everything as evenly as possible. This ensures that every bite has the right balance of crunchy and soft textures.
- Use Fresh Rotisserie Chicken: For the best flavor, try to use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Customize Your Heat: If you prefer a spicier casserole, use a hotter Ro-tel or add more chili powder. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, stick to the mild varieties.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final 5 to 7 minutes of baking. You want the cheese to melt and the chips to crisp, but you don’t want the chips to burn.
- Extra Doritos: Serve some extra Doritos on the side to add more crunch to each serving, or let people top their portions with some extra chips for added texture.
How to Store Dorito Casserole
To store your Dorito Casserole, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can also cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of meat for Doritos Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the rotisserie chicken with ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey. Brown the meat in a large skillet and season with taco seasoning before layering it in the casserole. I love making ground beef Doritos casserole!
What toppings go well with Dorito Casserole?
You can top your Dorito Casserole with your favorite taco toppings like green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese. Cilantro and a squeeze of lime are also great options.
How can I make Chicken Dorito Casserole spicier?
To make your Dorito Casserole spicier, use a spicier Ro-tel, add some diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in extra chili powder. You can also use spicy Doritos like Flamin’ Hot for an extra kick.
Can I make Dorito Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to wait until you’re ready to bake before adding the final layer of Doritos and cheese.
Dorito Casserole is an easy dinner option for busy families. With its hearty casserole layers and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. This cheesy Dorito Casserole recipe is a great addition to your comfort food list and a delicious meal the entire family can enjoy. Grab a bag of Doritos and let’s get cooking!
More Casserole Recipes
Doritos Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 ounce package nacho cheese-flavored Doritos, lightly crushed
- 2 ½ to 3 cups rotisserie chicken shredded and cut into small pieces
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15.25 ounce can corn, drained
- 8 oz. colby jack cheese shredded and divided
- 1-10 oz. mild diced tomatoes and green chiles Ro-tel
- 1- 4 oz. can green chilies
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half the crushed chips into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, black beans, corn, 1 cup of the cheese, Ro-tel, green chiles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream and the taco seasoning.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chips in the baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Spread remaining chips evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake another 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro, optional.
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