Layered Chicken Nacho Casserole with Doritos and Cheese
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole that layers seasoned shredded chicken with crushed Doritos, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce. The combination of crunchy nacho chips, tender chicken, and gooey cheese creates a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Rotel tomatoes add a subtle kick while the cream base keeps everything rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 4 cups shredded cheese
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 bags Nacho Doritos, crushedtortilla chips1:1Use plain tortilla chips and add extra taco seasoning for flavor
4
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoesdiced tomatoes with green chiles1:1
Any canned tomatoes with peppers work well
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Mix together taco seasoning and shredded chicken until combined
- 3
Spread half of the crushed Doritos in an ungreased 9×13 baking dish
- 4
Top with the shredded chicken mixture, followed by cream of chicken soup and remaining Doritos
- 5
Spread the shredded cheese and Rotel tomatoes over the top
- 6
Mix together sour cream and milk in a small bowl, then pour it over the dish
- 7
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 8
Serve hot with additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, or salsa
Tips
Crush the Doritos into uniform pieces for even texture throughout the casserole
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set before serving
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in 350°F oven until heated through.
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Serve hot directly from the baking dish with optional toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or salsa.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip crushing the Doritos to avoid large chunks that don't integrate well
Don't overbake to prevent the cheese from becoming tough and the Doritos from burning
Substitutions
Any canned tomatoes with peppers work well
FAQ
Can I use different flavored Doritos?
Yes, any Doritos flavor works well. Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili add different flavor profiles while maintaining the same crunchy texture.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, this casserole will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or full dish in the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months, or freeze baked portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.