This comforting casserole recipe, often referred to as “Mexican Chicken Casserole,” combines Tex-Mex flavors with classic American ingredients. Popular across Southern kitchens, especially in Texas, this dish layers Doritos with seasoned chicken, creamy soups, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. It originated in mid-20th century American home cooking when canned soups became staples in quick, hearty meals. The recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or nostalgic comfort food nights. Its ease of preparation and bold flavor make it a beloved favorite passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Doritos (enough to cover bottom of 9×13 dish)
- 1 cup Chicken broth (for dipping Doritos)
- 1½ lbs cooked chicken (cooked , shredded)
- ½ onion (medium, sautéed)
- 2 tbsp green pepper (sautéed)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 cup cheese (shredded, cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ( or cream of celery soup)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip Doritos in chicken broth and layer them in a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mix
- Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper until soft.
- Mix sautéed veggies with cooked chicken.
- Stir in chili powder and garlic salt.
- Layer this chicken mixture evenly over the Doritos.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Soups
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken layer.
- Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.
- Add the second can of soup (cream of chicken or celery) as the next layer.
Step 4: Top and Bake
- Pour the can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies over the entire dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Final Cheese Finish
- Remove from oven and top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Swap Doritos for tortilla chips for a lighter crunch.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat or black beans for more fiber.
- Top with sour cream and green onions for garnish.
Nutrition
Calories: 817kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 44gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 1802mgPotassium: 718mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 819IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 287mgIron: 5mg
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