Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole

When I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole. It’s a hearty, cheesy delight that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. I remember the first time I prepared this dish—it was a spontaneous evening after a long day at work. I had some leftover chicken and a few pantry staples. As soon as I started mixing the ingredients, the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my family.

This casserole is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal. It’s one of those recipes that you can customize with whatever you have on hand, and it still turns out delicious every time. We often enjoy it on weekends, sitting around the dining table, chatting, and savoring every cheesy bite.

Aside from being incredibly tasty, the Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole is also super easy to prepare. It takes mere minutes to assemble, and the baking time is just enough to gather around the table and bond with loved ones. There’s something magical about the combination of crunchy Doritos, tender chicken, and a medley of spices that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to make your taste buds dance!

Key Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole

The ingredients for this Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole are simple yet effective. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the comforting and flavorful dish we all love. The key players include tender chicken, crunchy Doritos, and a creamy blend of cheese and sour cream. Together, they harmonize beautifully to create a satisfying meal.

• 2 lbs cooked and shredded chicken – The star of the dish, providing protein and a hearty texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice and depth.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder – Infuses the casserole with a hint of sweetness and fragrance.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Brings in a savory kick that complements the other flavors.
• 15 oz tomatoes and green chilis (Rotel) – Adds moisture and a slight kick to the dish.
• 11 oz Doritos – The crunchy topping that gives the casserole its signature texture.
• 1 cup sour cream – Contributes creaminess and balances the spices.
• 4 oz cream cheese – Ensures a rich and velvety consistency.
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup – Acts as a binding agent and enhances the overall flavor.
• 15 oz black beans (canned) – Provides fiber and complements the chicken.
• 15 oz corn (shoepeg or sweet crisp) – Adds sweetness and texture.
• 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that cheesy finish.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – Infuses warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
• Pico de gallo – For garnish, provides freshness and color.

Instructions for Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole

Making Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole is a breeze! The steps are simple and straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can whip it up without a hitch.

1. Start by shredding the cooked chicken. You can use a stand mixer to make this process easier or do it by hand for a more rustic feel.
2. Next, spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, tomatoes and green chilis, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, black beans, corn, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, and smoked paprika.
4. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Now, it’s time to layer! Place a generous layer of Doritos at the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This will add a nice crunch to the base.
6. Spread the chicken mixture over the layer of Doritos. Don’t worry if some chips break; they’ll still add flavor and texture.
7. Top the casserole with another layer of Doritos and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. This will create a deliciously gooey cap.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the layers to set a bit.
10. Finally, top with fresh pico de gallo for a burst of flavor and color before serving. Enjoy your creation!

How to Switch It Up

Looking to add a twist to your Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole? Here are some fun ideas!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite beans and veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.

How to Enjoy Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole

• Family Dinner: This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, bringing your family together for a wholesome meal.
• Game Day: Serve it as a crowd-pleasing dish during game day. Pair it with extra pico de gallo and sour cream on the side.
• Picnics or Gatherings: It’s an ideal dish to take to potlucks or BBQs, as it can be made in large quantities.
• Lunch Leftovers: Enjoy it for lunch the next day—this casserole tastes even better as leftovers!
• Seasonal Pairing: In the summer, pair it with a refreshing corn salad for a vibrant meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, the Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole is a scrumptious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to dish for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Mexican Chicken Dorito Casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight that satisfies every craving. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy Doritos, and a hint of spice, it's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (If table salt, use only ½)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 15 oz tomatoes and green chilis (Also known as Rotel)
• 11 oz Doritos (Any flavor will work, but we use Nacho flavor usually)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temp so it will mix in ok or microwave for 20 secs.)
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 15 oz black beans (canned)
• 15 oz corn (shoepeg or sweet crisp corn works best.)
• 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese (any shredded cheddar works)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• pico de gallo (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Shred the cooked chicken. Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350.
• Mix chicken, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, tomatoes and green chilis, cream cheese, soup, beans, corn, half of the shredded cheese, cumin and paprika together.
• Put a layer of chips on the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Spread the chicken mixture over the layer of chips. Don't worry if they break.
• Cover with the remaining chips and sprinkle the cheese over the top. (Or you can sprinkle the cheese and then cover with the chips, it's your choice, with the chips on top, the chips stay more crispy).
• Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned. Top with pico for garnish.

Notes

• Tip 1: You'll be using shredded chicken (or chopped, your choice) and there are several ways to go about this. If you are time challenged, I recommend a rotisserie chicken or frozen already shredded chicken.
• Tip 2: An easy way to shred chicken is to give it a few rounds in the bowl of your stand mixer using the beater bar. Shredded and perfect in minutes!
• Tip 3: Be SURE to drain the corn and the beans or you'll end up with a soupy casserole.
• Tip 4: If you prefer MORE heat, then go with a hotter variety of Rotel. My family prefers LOW heat and so I used the mild variety and offer hot sauce on the side for those who want a little more heat.
• Tip 5: You definitely can use a full-size regular can of corn, but the small can of the extra sweet and crisp corn works best in this recipe.

Keyword comfort food, Dorito Casserole, easy chicken dinner, Mexican Chicken Casserole

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.