Doritos Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy mixture of cheese and sour cream, this casserole is topped with crunchy nacho cheese Doritos for a flavorful twist. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) package nacho cheese Doritos chips, lightly crushed
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (13.25 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (13.25 oz) can whole corn kernels, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated, divided
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook and Shred Chicken:
- If not already cooked, cook the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse and Drain Cans:
- Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, 1 cup of the grated Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes with green chiles, diced green chiles, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer Doritos:
- Spread a layer of the crushed Doritos evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Chicken Mixture:
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the layer of Doritos, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Mexican blend cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Add More Doritos:
- Top with another layer of the remaining crushed Doritos.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the Doritos Chicken Casserole with a side salad or some extra sour cream and guacamole.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Doritos: Lightly crush the Doritos to maintain some texture and crunch.
- Cheese: Feel free to use more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy casserole.
Variations
Spicy Doritos Chicken Casserole
- Add Jalapeños:
- Add sliced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Doritos Casserole
- Use Veggie Crumbles:
- Substitute the chicken with vegetarian crumbles or additional beans and vegetables for a meatless version.
BBQ Doritos Chicken Casserole
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- Mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with the chicken mixture for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Toppings
- With Guacamole:
- Serve with guacamole on the side for added creaminess.
- With Salsa:
- Top with salsa or pico de gallo for extra freshness and flavor.
With Beverages
- With Iced Tea:
- Enjoy with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
- With Beer:
- Pair with your favorite beer for a perfect match.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the final layer of Doritos just before baking to keep them crunchy.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? A: You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce by combining 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Doritos Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy chicken mixture, crunchy Doritos topping, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Doritos Chicken Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!
