3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is ideal for ease and flavor)
1 large bag of Doritos (choose Nacho Cheese flavor or your favorite, about 10-12 oz bag)
2 (10.5 oz) cans of Cream of Chicken soup (you can substitute 1 can with Cream of Mushroom for extra depth)
¾ cup whole milk (adds creaminess and helps thin the soup mixture)
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, depending on your taste)
½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess in the sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, to enhance flavor)
1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional, can use Monterey Jack or Mozzarella for variety)
Optional toppings: More crushed Doritos, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for serving
Tools You’ll Need:
9×13-inch casserole dish
Large mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ziplock bag (for crushing Doritos)
Whisk
Baking sheet (optional, if toasting extra Doritos for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the oven to reach the right temperature by the time your casserole is assembled.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Use your hands or two forks to pull apart the chicken until you have about 3 cups. Set the chicken aside in a bowl.
Tip: If you’re cooking your chicken from scratch, season 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it cool slightly before shredding.
3. Crush the Doritos:
Place the Doritos in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want medium-sized crumbs for a crunchy texture—don’t turn them into fine dust, but make sure they’re small enough to layer well. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of crushed Doritos.
Tip: Reserve about 1 cup of crushed Doritos to sprinkle on top of the casserole before baking for an extra crispy topping.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup with ¾ cup of milk until smooth and well combined.
If using, add ½ cup of sour cream for extra creaminess, along with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly. This sauce will bind the casserole and provide rich flavor.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease your 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter to prevent sticking.
Start with a layer of crushed Doritos at the bottom of the dish. This layer should cover the base entirely, about 1 cup of crushed Doritos.
Next, spread a layer of shredded chicken over the Doritos. Use half of the chicken for this first layer.
Pour and spread half of the soup mixture evenly over the chicken layer, making sure it covers all the chicken.
Sprinkle a layer of shredded Cheddar cheese over the soup mixture, using about 1 cup.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process one more time:
Crushed Doritos
Remaining chicken
Soup mixture
Shredded Cheddar cheese
For the top layer, sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos generously over the cheese, ensuring they cover the surface of the casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Doritos on top are golden and crisp.
Tip: If you like extra crispy Doritos on top, you can place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Optional: Garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
Serve hot, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success:
Adjust for spice: If you want to add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños or use spicy Doritos like Flamin’ Hot or Spicy Nacho.
Add veggies: For added nutrition, you can mix in a can of drained corn or black beans between the layers. Chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes would also complement the dish nicely.
Make-ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble it, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, uncover, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes since it will be cold.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.