• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Flavor Mosaic logo

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Travel
      • Car Reviews
      • Restaurant Reviews
      • Travel
  • Creative Recipes
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
      • Dinner in Under 30 Minutes
      • Slow Cooker
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
      • Grains
      • Legumes
      • Pasta
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Soups / Salads
      • Green Salads
      • Pasta Salads
      • Potato Salads
      • Soup
    • Cuisine
      • American
      • Asian
      • Cajun
      • French
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Christmas
      • Cinco De Mayo
      • Easter Recipes
      • Fall Recipes
      • Game Day
      • Halloween
      • Holiday Baking
      • Holiday Leftover Recipes
      • July 4th
      • Mardi Gras
      • New Years
      • St Patrick’s Day
      • Summer
      • Thanksgiving
      • Thanksgiving Desserts
      • Thanksgiving Sides
      • Winter Recipes
    • Seasoning Mixes
  • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Beef Recipes
    • Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Southern Recipes
  • Tex-Mex Recipes

Chicken Dorito Casserole

A spoonful of Chicken Dorito Casserole being held above the casserole dish with the rest of the chicken Dorito casserole.

Chicken Dorito Casserole

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Oct 4, 2021
UPDATED: Sep 13, 2022
16 Reviews / 5 Average
Featured Comment
Definitely a hit! My husband, brother in law and I all had seconds. I had left over diced tomatoes and chili to put over once plated. I cut up green onions to go with cilantro, avocado and sour cream. Next time I will try it with hamburger meat instead. Thank you for this delicious tasting dish.
Rebecca
11 More Comments
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Baked Southwest Chicken Dorito Casserole is an easy cheesy chicken casserole with shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, Nacho Cheese Doritos, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning.

One thing you will notice is missing is canned cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Instead, I used cream cheese and sour cream to make this a creamy Mexican chicken casserole. It is one of my husband’s favorite recipes.

A Chicken Dorito Casserole in a white casserole dish topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro leaves over the top.

This is a perfect easy chicken casserole for busy weeknights because you can use leftover chicken from an Oven Roasted Chicken, a Rotisserie chicken, or cooked shredded chicken, as well as other refrigerator and pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Also, If you love spicy food, you’ll love this delicious recipe.

With Doritos and Rotel, this is not your grandma’s chicken casserole. It has a slightly spicy kick and loads of flavor from the taco seasoning as well. This Mexican chicken casserole with Doritos truly is the ultimate chicken casserole.

Like our King Ranch Casserole, and Chile Relleno Casserole, this is one of my family’s favorite Mexican recipes and Chicken Recipes.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love Chicken Dorito Casserole
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • How To Make Mexican Chicken Casserole With Doritos
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Easy Instructions With Photos
  • Recipe Variations
  • Pro Recipe Tips and Tricks
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews
A teal plate with a serving of Chicken Dorito Casserole with a dollop of sour cream, and a sprig of cilantro, on top.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Dorito Casserole

  • Easy Recipe. This is one of our family favorite easy recipes because it has limited ingredients. All you have to do it mix it together in a bowl and then start layering in a casserole dish and bake! Easy!
  • Flavor. This chicken casserole is exploding with flavor from the Doritos, Rotel, and taco seasoning.
  • Texture. The creaminess of the chicken mixture contrasts and compliments the crunchy Doritos on top.
  • Budget-Friendly. Since it is a great way to use leftovers, and uses common ingredients that you likely have on hand, it is a great way to feed a lot of people without spending a lot of money.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Tried and True Recipe. This recipe has been made many times throughout the years. My husband requests it often because he loves it!
  • Easy Instructions. With easy step by step instructions as well as step by step photos, Recipe Tips and Tricks, Frequently Asked Questions, and a video, we provide all the information to help you make a successful recipe.
Overhead view of 2 aqua plates and partial view of a corner of another plate with the corner of the casserole dish at the top and individual Doritos on the table with sprigs of cilantro.

How To Make Mexican Chicken Casserole With Doritos

Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Oven-Safe Casserole Dish

Ingredient Notes

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

  • Chicken. For the chicken mixture, you are going to need shredded cooked chicken breast or chicken thighs. For a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked shredded chicken. Either white chicken or dark chicken will work.
  • Cream Cheese. Adding softened cream cheese helps make this a creamy chicken casserole, especially when combined with the sour cream. However, if you don’t have cream cheese and sour cream, you could use either canned cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup instead.
  • Diced Tomatoes and Chilies. Use canned diced tomatoes and chilies, like RO*TEL, or if you can’t find that use a can of diced tomatoes and a separate small can of diced green chilies. This adds a slightly spicy kick to the Doritos casserole.
  • Corn. You can use canned whole kernel corn or frozen corn. However, If you have fresh corn, by all means use fresh cooked corn.
  • Taco Seasoning. You can easily use a packet of store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by using this Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe.
  • Sour Cream. You’ll need 1 cup of sour cream adds that extra creaminess. You can use either light sour cream or regular full-fat sour cream.
  • Cheddar Cheese. We use 2 cups of shredded cheese, usually a combination of cheddar cheeses. However, you could use your favorite type of cheese instead.
  • Nacho Cheese Doritos. Crushed Doritos are added on top. We used Nacho Cheese Doritos. However, you could use Cool Ranch Doritos, or if you prefer, you can use tortilla chips instead of Dorito chips.
  • Cilantro. I like to add fresh chopped cilantro on top as a garnish along with a dollop of sour cream.

Easy Instructions With Photos

Mix the Chicken Filling

  1. In a large bowl combine, cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until well mixed.
  2. Then add the rotel, and corn.
  3. Next add the shredded chicken.
  4. Then add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix.
Four step by step photos showing how to make the chicken filling for the Chicken Dorito Casserole.

Layer, Assemble, and Bake the Casserole

  1. Pour the chicken mixture into the pan and smooth out. Then Place in the oven and bake until bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crushed doritos over the top.
  3. Then add the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Next bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Overhead view of Step by Step Process Photo Collage showing Layers of Chicken Dorito Casserole assembly and showing before and after baking.

Remove the casserole dish from the oven and serve with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or your choice of toppings.

Recipe Variations

  • Beef. If you prefer, you can switch out the chicken with ground beef
  • Black Bean. Add a can of Black Beans to add protein and to make it even a heartier casserole.
  • Ranch. Switch out the Nacho Cheese Doritos with the Ranch Doritos, or

Pro Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • To Keep The Crunch. Wait to add the doritos until the last 5 minutes of baking, or if you have added them at the beginning, cover the top of the casserole dish with tin foil.  This will help keep them from turning too brown.
  • Meal Planning. Add the Dorito chips only to the amount of the casserole that you think you will eat immediately, and then store without chips. You can always add the Doritos when you reheat the casserole. See the FAQs for how to freeze, refrigerate, and reheat the casserole.
  • Perfect Level of Spiciness. To modify the level of heat or spice, you can adjust these two ingredients below to get the level of spice so it is perfect for you.
    • To Make It More Spicy: Use extra hot Rotel and add more taco seasoning until it reaches the spice level you prefer.
    • To Make It Less Spicy. Use mild Rotel and reduce the amount of taco seasoning until it meets your flavor preference.
A spoonful of Chicken Dorito Casserole being held above the casserole dish with the rest of the chicken Dorito casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Can I freeze This Dish?

If you plan to freeze this casserole first and then bake it, I recommend freezing it without the Doritos on top. You will just add those during the last 5 minutes when you reheat the casserole dish in the oven.

I do not recommend freezing this dish after it has been cooked with the Doritos on top.

How do you reheat this so the Doritos aren’t soggy?

If you think you will have leftovers from this dish, then I recommend adding the Doritos only to the amount of the casserole that you think you will eat. So, if you think you will eat half of the casserole tonight and refrigerate or freeze the other half, only add the Doritos to half the casserole.

If the casserole is frozen, then allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

If you are reheating leftovers from the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat it in the oven for 30 minutes, and then uncover the casserole dish, add more Doritos if you like, and bake for 5 more minutes.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
  • Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole
  • Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
An aqua dinner plate with chicken Dorito casserole with a small bowl of sour cream, a blue and white napkin, a partial view of the rest of the casserole dish and partial view of another single serving on an aqua plate.

If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | BlogLovin | Instagram

Recipe

A spoonful of Chicken Dorito Casserole being held above the casserole dish with the rest of the chicken Dorito casserole.
Print Pin Save Saved!
5 from 16 votes

Creamy Chicken Dorito Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick dinner? Chicken, cream cheese, corn, seasoning, cheese, and doritos come together for an easy weeknight dinner. Add a side salad and you have a complete meal.
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword Chicken Casserole, Chicken Doritos Casserole, Doritos Chicken Casserole
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 611kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups shredded chicken
  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
  • 1 10 ounce can Rotel
  • 1 10 ounce can whole kernel corns drained
  • 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup sour cream
  • 2 Cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups Nacho Doritos crushed
  • optional garnishes – cilantro diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado slices
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray
  • In a large bowl combine, cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until well mixed.
    Overhead view of first step to make chicken Doritos casserole.
  • Then add the Rotel and corn.
    Adding corn and Rotel to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Add the shredded cooked chicken.
    Shredded cooked Chicken is being added to the bowl.
  • Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix.
  • Pour the chicken mixture into the pan and smooth out.
  • Place in the oven and bake until bubbly.
  • Remove and sprinkle with crushed Doritos.
  • Add the remaining cup of cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
    Showing the shredded cheese covering the top of all of the casserole.
  • Remove from the oven.
  • Serve with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or your choice of toppings.

Video

Notes

Tips:
• You can wait to add the doritos until the last 5 minutes of baking, or cover with tin foil. This will help keep them from turning too brown.
• This is delicious served with a side salad.
Storage:
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• I do not recommend freezing this dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1129mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1291IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 316mg | Iron: 2mg

Filed Under: American, Bake, Casserole, Chicken, Comfort Food, Dinner, Fall Recipes, Mexican, Tex-Mex Recipes, Winter Recipes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

Comments

  1. Meg says

    October 5, 2021 at 8:40 am

    This dish should be illegal You put all that is good into the world in one dish

    Reply
  2. NATALIA says

    October 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Wow, this looks so tempting. I have never made a chicken casserole because I thought it was bland…but this may convert me. Worth a try!

    Reply
  3. Petro says

    October 6, 2021 at 1:23 pm

    So creamy and delicious, my family will love this recipe!

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    October 6, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    What a scrumptious-looking dish! Amazingly tasty too. I bet this is a crowd pleaser!

    Reply
  5. Laura Resnick says

    October 8, 2021 at 7:14 am

    This was really tasty. I did not add the corn because of keto.. I didn’t have rotel, so I added regular diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilis. This was pretty awesome and I used taco shells, so my husband could eat like a taco. It was very good

    Reply
  6. Jacqueline Debono says

    October 8, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    I’ve never used doritos or tortilla chips in this way. This chicken dorito casserole looks so good and is packed with lots of flvourful ingredients! Definitely on my to-make list!

    Reply
  7. Gwynn Galvin says

    October 8, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    My family loved this recipe. Comfort food in a baking dish! The doritos are the crowning glory for sure!

    Reply
    • TEFFINEY says

      October 25, 2022 at 10:32 am

      This was delicious and I’m definitely making it again but noticed it was kinda missing something I used about two and a half cups of cooked white rice put the rice on the very bottom of my glass pan and put the casserole ingredients on top and baked as directed this is a keeper ☺️ the whole fam enjoyed this

      Reply
  8. Mikayla says

    October 8, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    This dish combines great flavors and reminded me of childhood dinner around the table with family.

    Reply
  9. Cathleen says

    October 9, 2021 at 1:34 pm

    I love this idea so much! I am all for easy casseroles, so you know I will be making this on repeat, especially after the baby arrives. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  10. Aya says

    October 9, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    This recipe was so easy to make and delicious! The best part was that my husband loved it, and it required minimal effort to make. I will definitely be making it again!

    Reply
  11. Rebecca says

    February 4, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    Definitely a hit! My husband, brother in law and I all had seconds. I had left over diced tomatoes and chili to put over once plated. I cut up green onions to go with cilantro, avocado and sour cream. Next time I will try it with hamburger meat instead. Thank you for this delicious tasting dish.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About Me

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Read More…

Follow Me

Follow FlavorMosaic on Facebook Follow @FlavorMosaic on Instagram Follow FlavorMosaic on Pinterest Follow @FlavorMosaic on Twitter Subscribe to FlavorMosaic's RSS Feed

Search Flavor Mosaic

Logos of websites that have featured recipes from FlavorMosaic.com

Newest Recipes

  • Pesto Garlic Bread
  • Pesto Butter Recipe
  • Air Fryer Fish Tacos With Blackened Catfish
  • Apple Oatmeal Custard
Copyright © 2023 Flavor Mosaic · All Rights Reserved