Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole: An Easy, No-Canned-Soup Family Favorite

This ultimate Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a rich, creamy homemade cheese sauce – all made WITHOUT canned soup! Topped with layers of crunchy crushed Dorito chips, it’s an irresistible dinner your family will request again and again.

If your family, like mine, has an undeniable love for vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, then you’re in for a treat. While my site is already brimming with a multitude of Mexican recipes, I simply can’t get enough of creating new, exciting variations that bring those beloved tastes to the dinner table. This Dorito Chicken Casserole is a testament to that passion – a true comfort food classic reimagined for a modern, homemade touch.

Historically, many chicken casserole recipes, including the popular Dorito version, rely heavily on canned condensed soups for their creamy texture. However, I believe in the power of fresh, real ingredients to elevate a dish from good to absolutely phenomenal. That’s why this recipe proudly skips the canned soup altogether, opting instead for a luscious, scratch-made sauce built from everyday staples like milk, rich chicken broth, and plenty of real cheese. The result is a casserole that’s incredibly creamy, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, without any artificial taste or preservatives.

spooning chicken casserole out of the dish — A generous serving of creamy, crunchy Dorito chicken casserole ready to be enjoyed.

This Dorito Chicken Casserole isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. It’s one of those recipes where the ingredient list might seem extensive at first glance, but don’t let that intimidate you. The magic happens when simple components come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each bite delivers a burst of savory chicken, tangy Rotel tomatoes, gooey melted cheese, and, of course, that unmistakable, delightful crunch from the crushed Dorito chips that makes this casserole so unique and addictive.

I understand that the idea of making a sauce from scratch might seem daunting when you’re used to the convenience of canned soup. However, trust me when I say this homemade approach is **remarkably simple and incredibly rewarding**. You’re essentially building a flavorful roux-based sauce, which involves just a few minutes of whisking butter, flour, and liquid with some key spices. The entire assembly process takes approximately 20 minutes, after which the oven does most of the work, baking it to golden, bubbly perfection. Those extra few minutes spent crafting the sauce make all the difference, delivering a depth of flavor and a fresh taste that canned soup simply cannot replicate. It’s a small effort for a huge payoff in deliciousness.

layering the chicken and sauce in a chicken casserole — Carefully layering the chicken and rich, creamy sauce for an evenly distributed flavor.

How To Make This Irresistible Dorito Chicken Casserole

Creating this cheesy, crunchy masterpiece is straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet with a little olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of your casserole.
Prepare the Chicken: Once the onions are soft, incorporate your pre-cooked shredded chicken into the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, mixing everything thoroughly until the chicken is well coated with the spices. Transfer this flavorful chicken mixture to a bowl and set it aside.
Craft the Homemade Sauce (Roux): Return the skillet to the heat. Melt the butter, then whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste and is no longer white, cooking out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This is your roux, the base of your creamy sauce.
Flavor the Sauce: Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and the can of Rotel tomatoes (drained). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously, until it visibly thickens to a rich, luscious consistency.
Enrich with Dairy: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and cubed cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted and is smoothly incorporated into the sauce, making it extra creamy and decadent.
Combine and Layer Prep: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the reserved seasoned chicken back into the skillet, mixing thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in the cheesy, spicy sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 13×9 inch baking dish or other large casserole dish, start by spreading one-third of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom. Next, layer half of your chicken and sauce mixture over the chips. Follow with another third of the crushed Doritos. Finally, add the remaining chicken mixture and top it all off with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese. This layering ensures flavor and crunch in every bite.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crushed Dorito chips on top for an extra burst of fresh crunch and vibrant color. Add any of your favorite taco toppings to each serving!

sprinkling cheese on casserole — The final layer of shredded cheese before baking, promising a gooey, golden topping.

Expert Tips for the Best Dorito Chicken Casserole

Here are some additional tips and tricks to make your Dorito Chicken Casserole even better:

Utilize Rotisserie Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or to speed things up with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it directly with the sautéed onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. Starting with pre-cooked shredded chicken means this delicious casserole can be ready to pop into the oven in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight solution!
Adjust the Heat Level: If you’re someone who loves a fiery kick in your food, there are several ways to spice up this casserole. The recipe already calls for Rotel tomatoes, so feel free to use the “Hot” variety instead of mild. You could also sauté finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onions and garlic, or simply add an extra pinch or two of cayenne pepper when you mix in the other spices. Customize to your preferred level of heat!
Experiment with Dorito Flavors: While classic Nacho Cheese Doritos are a popular choice and work wonderfully, don’t limit yourself! Try using Cool Ranch Doritos for a tangy twist, or Spicy Nacho, Sweet Chili, or Taco-flavored Doritos to enhance different flavor profiles. Each variety will bring its own unique character and crunch to the casserole.
Add More Mix-Ins for Bulk and Veggies: Want to make this casserole even heartier or sneak in some extra vegetables? Stir in a can of drained black beans, corn kernels, or even sautéed bell peppers with the chicken mixture. These additions not only add more nutrients and fiber but also contribute to the texture and overall volume of the dish.
Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole (without the final Dorito topping) ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly. Add the final Dorito topping just before baking or serving.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed (again, without the final Dorito topping), then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Dorito chicken casserole on a plate — A perfectly portioned serving of Dorito chicken casserole, ready to be devoured.

Getting a delicious, homemade dinner on the table every night doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. This cheesy chicken Dorito casserole simplifies mealtime without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a family, and it often yields plenty of leftovers, providing convenient lunches for a day or two. Who can argue with that kind of efficiency and deliciousness?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of serving this dinner is customizing it with your favorite taco toppings. Offer a spread of diced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or even extra hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, allowing everyone to personalize their plate. And if you find yourself utterly captivated by the Dorito casserole concept, be sure to check out my equally popular Dorito Taco Casserole, which uses traditional taco meat for another fantastic variation you’re sure to love!

casserole college for pinterest — Pin this recipe to save it for your next family meal!

More Tasty Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’re eager for more delicious dishes with a Mexican flair, here are some other family favorites you might enjoy:

Creamy Sour Cream Enchiladas
Zesty Baja Shrimp Tacos
Easy and Irresistible Refried Bean Dip
Homemade Mexican Pizza
Quick Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Crunchy Dorito Taco Salad
Classic Frito Pie

close up of casserole being scooped out of the dish

★
★
★
★
★

No ratings yet

Dorito Chicken Casserole

By
Erin Sellin

This cheesy casserole, made with NO canned soup, is full of chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese with lots of crunch from crushed Dorito chips.

Prep:
5

Cook:
50

Total:
55

Servings:
6

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 2 teaspoon olive oil
▢ 1 small onion, finely chopped
▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
▢ 1/4 cup taco seasoning
▢ 1/4 cup water
▢ 2 Tablespoons butter
▢ 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 2 cups chicken broth
▢ 1 10oz can Rotel tomatoes
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
▢ 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
▢ 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
▢ 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
▢ 1 11 oz bag Doritos, crushed

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the onion is soft, add the 4 cups of cooked shredded chicken along with 1/4 cup of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Mix everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Scoop the seasoned chicken into a bowl and set it aside.
Return the empty skillet to the heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw flour smell is gone and it forms a paste (a roux). Whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth gradually until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Mix in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and the 10oz can of Rotel tomatoes (undrained). Stir and cook until the mixture boils and starts to thicken to a creamy consistency.
Reduce the heat to low. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 4 oz of cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then add the reserved chicken mixture back into the pan. Stir everything until well combined.
In a 13×9 inch baking pan or large casserole dish, layer one-third of the crushed 11 oz bag of Doritos on the bottom. Top with half of the chicken and sauce mixture. Add another one-third of the crushed Doritos. Finish with the remaining chicken mixture and sprinkle the last 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
To serve, sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the top for extra crunch. Garnish with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or sour cream, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5

Cook Time:
50

Total Time:
55

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
629

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

I’ve created a fantastic community on Facebook, and I’d be thrilled for you to join us! It’s a vibrant space where you can share your favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on all the new deliciousness happening at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you’ll never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create!

Don’t miss out on any posts – make sure to follow me on my social media channels!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram