Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple! Get ready for a weeknight hero: a delicious Mexican chicken casserole that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish layers tender shredded chicken, a creamy, savory sauce, and crunchy Doritos, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal, perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have dinner in the oven fast.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe relies on common pantry staples, making grocery shopping a breeze.
- Minimal Cook Time: It bakes in just 40 minutes, meaning less time in the kitchen for you.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings to this versatile Mexican chicken dish.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this cheesy, crunchy casserole.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Mexican chicken casserole:
- 1 Bag (approx. 9-10 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos: Or your preferred flavor.
- 3 Cooked Chicken Breasts, shredded: About 3-4 cups of shredded chicken.
- 2 Cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup: The condensed variety.
- 1 Can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup: The condensed variety.
- 1 Can (10 oz) Rotel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained.
- 1/2 medium Onion, chopped: For sautéing (optional but recommended).
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder: For a warm, robust flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth.
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth: To thin the sauce slightly.
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this Mexican chicken casserole to your family’s preferences. For the Doritos, try Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho, or even tortilla chips for a milder crunch. Instead of cooking fresh chicken, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. If you do not have cream of mushroom soup, an extra can of cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well. Choose mild, medium, or hot Rotel depending on your desired spice level. Enhance the seasoning with 2 tablespoons of a pre-made taco seasoning blend. Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack cheese for varied flavor. Pre-chopped frozen onion can be used, or omit it if you prefer.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy casserole. You will need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl for combining the sauce, and a skillet for sautéing the onion. Measuring cups and spoons are also helpful.
Instructions
Making this easy Mexican chicken casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, such as Pam.
- Sauté Onion (Optional): Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Remove from heat.
- Combine Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the can of cream of mushroom soup, the undrained can of Rotel, chili powder, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Add the sautéed onion if using. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Doritos: Pour about half of the bag of Doritos onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. You can crush them slightly or leave them mostly whole, depending on your preference for crunch.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the layer of Doritos in the baking dish.
- Pour Sauce: Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and Dorito layers. Spread the sauce evenly with a spatula to ensure everything is covered.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican chicken creation!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For meal prep, cook and shred your chicken ahead of time or mix the sauce a day in advance. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. To prevent soggy chips, assemble and bake the casserole immediately after layering the Doritos and sauce. If you prefer an extra crispy cheese topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute, watching it very carefully to prevent burning. Avoid overbaking this Mexican chicken casserole, as it can make the chicken dry and the sauce too thick.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Mexican chicken casserole with a variety of fresh toppings. Offer sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or extra crushed Doritos for added texture. A side of fluffy rice, black beans, a simple green salad, or warm cornbread complements this hearty dish perfectly.
Storage Instructions
Cool any leftover casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, or in a 350°F oven until bubbly again.
For safe food handling, the USDA recommends refrigerating cooked chicken within two hours and using it within three to four days to prevent bacterial growth.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Mexican chicken casserole! Instead of chicken, try cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded pork for a different protein. Boost the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the sauce mixture. For more heat, mix in finely diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro stirred in at the end add a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition
This Mexican chicken casserole offers a hearty meal packed with protein and comforting flavors. While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and portions, it typically provides a substantial amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It’s a satisfying dish designed to fuel your family.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550-650 |
| Protein | 40-50g |
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-45g |
| Sodium | 1200-1500mg |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
*Please note: These are estimated values. Actual nutritional content may vary.*
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Mexican chicken casserole (without the top cheese layer) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add cheese and bake when ready.
Q: What kind of chicken is best for shredding?
A: Cooked chicken breasts are ideal for shredding. You can boil, bake, or slow cook them, or use a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Q: How do I prevent the Doritos from getting too soggy?
A: Layering the chips right before baking and ensuring the casserole bakes immediately after assembly helps maintain some crunch.
Q: Can I use different types of chips?
A: Absolutely! While Doritos provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with regular tortilla chips, Fritos, or even crushed taco shells.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole is truly a recipe that delivers on flavor and convenience. It embodies Sweet Emily’s mission to make baking simple, offering a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. With its minimal prep, common ingredients, and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a regular in your family’s meal rotation. Give this versatile and delightful casserole a try tonight!
Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Bag Doritos
- 3 Cooked Chicken Breasts shredded
- 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Can Rotel
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the shredded cooked chicken over the Doritos layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, chili powder, garlic powder, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and Doritos in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the casserole warm and enjoy your meal.