A delightful and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy, cheesy mixture, all layered with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos. This Tex-Mex inspired dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep time for a hassle-free meal.
- Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults who love cheesy, crunchy dishes.
- Full of flavor – Tex-Mex spices, salsa, and Doritos bring bold and delicious flavors.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or add extra veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Nacho Cheese Doritos
- Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Frozen corn
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, frozen corn, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the chicken mixture over the Doritos.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the chicken mixture, followed by the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicier version – Use hot salsa, add jalapeños, or sprinkle in cayenne pepper.
- Different cheese – Try a mix of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for extra creaminess and spice.
- Vegetarian option – Replace chicken with extra beans, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Healthier alternative – Use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos and swap Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Make it extra creamy – Stir in a bit of cream cheese for an even richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (without the Dorito topping) for up to 2 months. Add fresh Doritos and cheese before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without adding the top layer of Doritos, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the final layer of Doritos and cheese just before baking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds extra flavor.
What can I use instead of Doritos?
Tortilla chips, corn chips, or even homemade baked tortillas can work as a substitute.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on the salsa and seasonings used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or diced tomatoes are great additions for extra flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the Doritos from getting soggy?
For extra crunch, reserve a portion of Doritos and sprinkle them on top halfway through baking.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then add the top layer of Doritos and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
What type of salsa should I use?
Any salsa works, but chunky or fire-roasted salsa adds extra texture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use two 9×13-inch pans or a large casserole dish to serve a bigger group.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, guacamole, or Mexican-style rice pairs well with this dish.
Conclusion
Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with bold flavors, creamy texture, and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or a quick weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your meal rotation!
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Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole
This Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make Tex-Mex-inspired dish packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all layered with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep, this family-friendly casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, frozen corn, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the chicken mixture over the Doritos.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the chicken mixture, followed by the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions if desired.
Notes
- To keep the top layer of Doritos extra crispy, sprinkle them on halfway through baking.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Adjust the spice level by using hot salsa or adding jalapeños.
- Can be made in a slow cooker (low for 3-4 hours, then add Doritos and cheese for the last 30 minutes).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
