Doritos cheesy chicken casserole is a surefire hit for a reason. This comforting dish, sometimes known as Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole due to its widespread appeal and ease of preparation reminiscent of Ree Drummond’s style, is the perfect weeknight meal for busy families. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor that even picky eaters will devour. Forget complicated recipes – this casserole is ready to bake in minutes and on the table in under 40!
Overhead shot of Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole in a baking dish, showcasing melted cheese and crushed Dorito topping.
This Doritos cheesy chicken casserole recipe is a fantastic dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy chicken, savory salsa, sweet corn, and crunchy Doritos creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly easy and delicious casserole.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy chicken Dorito casserole:
- 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of mushroom soup, unsalted
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup, unsalted
- 1 ½ cups salsa (or 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles for a milder flavor)
- 1 (11-oz) can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 (9.25-oz) bag nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Instructions for Making Doritos Chicken Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman chicken dorito casserole:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Dorito Base: Crush the entire bag of nacho cheese Doritos. Spread the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form a delicious, crunchy crust for your casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, salsa, and drained corn. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture evenly over the layer of crushed Doritos in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Dorito Casserole
- Salsa Selection: The type of salsa you use can significantly impact the flavor profile. For a milder casserole, use a mild salsa or diced tomatoes and green chiles. For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot salsa. Some popular store-bought salsa choices include Mateo’s, Kylito’s, Pace Picante Sauce, and Pace Restaurant Style Salsa.
Four jars of various salsa brands displayed on a kitchen counter, offering choices for different flavor preferences in recipes.
- Sodium Control: Using unsalted cream of chicken and mushroom soups allows you to better control the overall sodium content of the dish. You can adjust seasoning to your preference after mixing the ingredients.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Colby Jack blend would all work wonderfully.
- Spice it Up: Add a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in some black beans, diced bell peppers, or onions for added nutrients and flavor.
- Creaminess Factor: For an even richer casserole, add an extra dollop of sour cream or a block of cream cheese (cubed) to the chicken mixture.
This Pioneer Woman chicken dorito casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both quick and satisfying. Its cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful combination makes it a winner for any occasion. Give this easy recipe a try and get ready to enjoy a dish that will become a family staple!
