Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
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This Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets savory chicken and gets topped with crunchy, flavorful Doritos for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you need a fun twist on classic mac and cheese.
The first time I made this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole, I wasn’t sure how it would go over with my family. But as soon as my husband and little ones took their first bites, I knew it was a winner. The blend of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and the irresistible crunch of Doritos made it an instant hit. Now, it’s become a family favorite, especially on nights when we want something indulgent yet easy to whip up. It’s always fun to watch their faces light up when they see the casserole come out of the oven with that cheesy, golden Dorito topping!
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Why You’ll Love Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with a creamy cheese sauce that makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
- Crunchy Topping: The Doritos topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy pasta.
- Kid-Approved: With the addition of Doritos, this dish will have even the pickiest eaters excited for dinner.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this casserole a go-to for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Notes for Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
- Doritos: Use classic Nacho Cheese Doritos for that signature flavor, but feel free to experiment with other varieties!
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast works best. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect melty, creamy texture.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells or any other short pasta work well, too.
- Creamy Sauce: Made with a combination of milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheese for an ultra-creamy base.
Recipe Steps for Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook 3 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the Chicken: Fold in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the chicken mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle a layer of crushed Doritos over the top. Add the remaining mac and cheese mixture and finish with a generous layer of crushed Doritos.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and the Doritos topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the gooey, crunchy goodness!
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli or peas to add a veggie boost to the casserole.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Chips: Swap out the Doritos for another type of flavored tortilla chips or even BBQ chips for a different flavor twist.
Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups Doritos crushed
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until well combined and heated through. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Doritos Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the Doritos are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
