The Dorito chicken casserole is a crowd-pleaser and a favorite at potlucks, family dinners, and game nights. It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes of baking time. The combination of crunchy Doritos, creamy chicken mixture, and melted cheese is too hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 1 can of cream chicken soup
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes
- 1 bag of Doritos
- ½ pack of taco seasoning packet
- Shredded lettuce to your liking (optional)
Utensils and equipment needed
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Tool for crushing Doritos, like a rolling pin or heavy can
- Oven
How to make Dorito chicken casserole
Follow these easy steps to prepare a mouthwatering dish in no time:
1. Prepare the casserole
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, grease your casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish. Now take half of your bag of Doritos, crush them, and layer them on the bottom of your greased dish. This will serve as the crunchy base of your casserole.
2. Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rotisserie chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well integrated.
3. Assemble the casserole
Next, spread the chicken mixture over the Dorito layer in your casserole dish. Once you’ve done that, crush the remaining Doritos and sprinkle them over the top. The second layer of Doritos adds more crunch and a distinctive Dorito flavor that makes this dish unique.
4. Bake the casserole
Cover your casserole dish and place it in your preheated oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. If you desire, you can add more Rotel tomatoes on top once the casserole is done for an extra pop of flavor and color.
5. Garnish and serve
If you prefer a fresh touch to contrast the cheesy goodness, garnish the cooked casserole with shredded lettuce. This casserole is best served hot, and you can pair it with a refreshing salad or a cold drink for a complete meal.
Optional add-ins
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients to customize the casserole. Popular add-ins include olives, jalapenos, or even some cooked bacon for an extra punch of flavor.
What to serve with Dorito chicken casserole
The Dorito chicken casserole is quite rich and fulfilling in itself due to the layers of Doritos, cheese, and chicken. However, it can be nicely complemented with the following side dishes for a complete meal:
- Fresh salad: A fresh salad can help balance the richness of the casserole. You can make a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or opt for something more hearty, like a southwest salad with black beans and corn.
- Grilled vegetables: Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add a nice, light contrast to the casserole.
- Cilantro lime rice: If you want to add a starch that complements the casserole’s flavors, cilantro lime rice would be a good choice.
- Refried beans: A side of refried beans could add a nice texture contrast and reinforce the Tex-Mex flavors of the casserole.
- Guacamole or Pico de Gallo: These traditional Mexican sides can bring a freshness that cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Tortilla chips and salsa: You can’t go wrong with this classic combination. Your guests can munch on the chips and salsa as an appetizer while the casserole is in the oven.
How to store the Dorito chicken casserole
Storing your Dorito Chicken Casserole properly will ensure that it maintains its taste and texture for your leftovers. Here’s how to do it:
- Cooling: First, make sure your casserole has completely cooled to room temperature before storing. Storing a hot casserole can cause condensation, which can make the Doritos soggy.
- Refrigerating: Once cooled, you can store the casserole in the refrigerator. To do this, cover your casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. The casserole should stay good for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: If you want to store your casserole for a longer period, you can freeze it. It’s recommended to portion out the casserole into individual servings before freezing, as this allows you to reheat only what you will eat at a time. Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and make sure to seal them well to prevent freezer burn. A Frozen Dorito chicken casserole should keep for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through, usually 15-20 minutes. If using the microwave, heat on high in 1-2 minute increments until heated through, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Remember, when dealing with leftovers, it’s always important to ensure food is reheated to a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
If you loved this recipe, try this chicken and stuffing dump next.