Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole

A close up of food, with Casserole and Chicken

This Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is an easy to make dinner that comes out of the oven hot, cheesy, and ready to eat!

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Table of Contents

Why We Love This Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole
How To Serve Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole
How To Store Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole
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This Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole has cheesy layers of seasoned meat, cream of chicken soup, and Nacho Cheese Doritos combine with noodles in the most amazing way to make the ultimate comfort food casserole that everyone will love.

MORE RECIPES: Cheeseburger Casserole | Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole | Doritos Cool Ranch Tuna Noodle Casserole | Chicken Casserole Recipes

Why We Love This Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

This popular casserole recipe is simple to make and incorporates readily available ingredients, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

It's often served at potlucks, family gatherings, or game-day parties. The combination of familiar flavors and the fun twist of incorporating Doritos can make it a hit at social events.

The combination of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, creamy sauces, and crunchy Doritos make Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole the ultimate comfort food.

Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken
Wide Egg Noodles
Chives
Garlic Salt
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of Chicken Soup
Mild Rotel Tomatoes
Corn
Mexican Style Cheese - or Velveeta Cheese
Nacho Cheese Doritos

Substitutions And Additions

CHIVES: If you don't have chives, you can substitute them with green onions or even a small amount of finely chopped regular onion. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

SOUP: Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup.

CHEESE: Any type of shredded cheese can work in this recipe. Consider using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. If you're using Velveeta, you could also consider other processed cheese products.

CORN: You can substitute the southwest corn for Mexicorn if you have it on hand.

SALSA: You can substitute the salsa for canned diced tomatoes with green chiles or Rotel tomatoes if you prefer. You can also use homemade salsa if you prefer. Check out our salsa recipe for a tasty option.

DORITOS: You can substitute the nacho cheese Dorito chips for any flavor of Doritos. What about Cool Ranch Doritos for an exciting flavor twist?

Just keep in mind that the flavor of the chips will have a significant impact on the final dish.

CHICKEN: If you don’t have time to make cooked chicken specifically for this Doritos casserole, you can pick up a cooked chicken at the grocery store and use the rotisserie chicken meat instead.

You can also bake or grill chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs. Either cut up the chicken into cubes and cook with some seasonings, or cook the whole breast and then cut it up.

WIDE EGG NOODLES: Personally, I prefer egg noodles in this recipe. If you don't like egg noodles or don't have them on hand, any type of pasta will do.

Try using rotini, penne, or even fettuccini noodles for this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.

SPICE: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick

How To Make Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole

FIRST STEP: Cook egg noodles per package directions and drain.

Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.

SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl combine egg noodles, cooked chicken, chives, garlic salt, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel Tomatoes, and corn. Stir until everything is well mixed.

THIRD STEP: Place ½ of the chicken mixture in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Sprinkle ½ of the cheese over the chicken mixture. Place the rest of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and cover with tin foil.

FOURTH STEP: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

FIFTH STEP: Remove the tin foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: Remove from oven and sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top of the casserole.

Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other types of canned vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other canned vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots to this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You could also use a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as per the pasta package instructions.

How To Serve Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Here are some creative and delicious ways to serve this Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole.

With a Fresh Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy flavors of our Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or perhaps a tomato and cucumber salad for a burst of freshness.

With Steamed Vegetables: Pair the casserole with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. The vibrant colors and nutritional benefits of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the casserole.

With Corn on the Cob: Serve this creamy casserole with some grilled or boiled corn on the cob. The sweet and juicy corn kernels will provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.

With Spanish Rice: Prepare some Mexican-style rice to accompany the Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole. The flavorful rice will complement the casserole.

With Guacamole and Salsa: Add a Tex-Mex twist to your meal by serving Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole with some homemade guacamole and salsa. The creamy guacamole and tangy salsa will enhance the flavors of the casserole and provide a nice contrast.

With Tortilla Chips and Dips: Offer a platter of tortilla chips and a variety of dips like salsa, queso, or bean dip alongside the casserole. This allows guests to customize their experience by scooping up the casserole with the chips or enjoying the chips and dip on the side.

How To Store Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole

We all love a good meal, but what about the leftovers? Don't worry, this Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is just as delicious the next day, and the day after that!

Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal but don't have the time. Simply prepare the casserole as per the instructions, but hold off on the final baking step.

Once assembled, cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. This can be done up to 24 hours in advance. When you're ready to enjoy, remove it from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.

In the Fridge: If you have leftovers or if you've made the casserole ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator. Ensure the casserole is cooled down to room temperature before covering it with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.

Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

In the Freezer: For more extended storage, this casserole can be frozen. Once the casserole is cooled, cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. If you're reheating from the fridge, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake until it's heated through for about 20-30 minutes.

If you're reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the same reheating instructions.

For a quicker option, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Remember, all reheating times will vary depending on the portion size and the power of your appliances.

This yummy Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a versatile, time-saving dish that brings a fun twist to dinner with its unique Dorito crunch. Its adaptability allows for personalization to suit various tastes, while the use of convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken ensures a stress-free cooking experience.

Sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both adults and kids, making this a favorite family recipe for any day of the week.

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