This Mexican Chicken Doritos Casserole is a delicious twist on taco night that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve with a taco topping bar for a weeknight dinner winner!
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This post was originally published in September 2022 and has been updated with new photos.
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Why you will love this Mexican Doritos Casserole
This taco casserole combines Tex-Mex flavors in an easy skillet meal.
- Made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes.
- Ground chicken or turkey lightens up the taco base but is still satisfying.
- The addition of rice turns this into a meal-in-one.
- Crushed Doritos add a cheesy, crunchy vibe everyone loves!
- Easy to customize the layers with your family's favorite flavors. Keep reading for all of my variation ideas below.
Want more Doritos recipes? Try Doritos Nachos, Doritos Cheese ball, and Doritos Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground chicken or turkey is my go-to for tacos, but you can substitute ground beef or chorizo.
- Spices - Look in your pantry for chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and S&P, or simply use my chicken taco seasoning. You can adjust the amount of these spices based on personal taste.
- Rice - Both white and brown rice can be used. I prefer Jasmine rice. You can also use leftover cooked rice.
- Cheese - I love using Colby, but Pepper Jack and Monterey Jack are also great options.
- Doritos - You can use any Doritos flavor you love, such as Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or Flamin Hot. You can also substitute plain tortilla chips or Fritos.
Variations
- Add corn or black beans. Incorporate as a separate layer or mix into the chicken mixture.
- Add canned green chiles or diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Use Cilantro Lime rice.
- Add a layer of refried beans in place of the rice.
- Try different flavors of Doritos or use Fritos corn chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Refer to the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Cook the rice per package directions, using chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the ground chicken and spices. TIP: If using ground beef (or chorizo), wait to add the spices until after the meat has browned and the excess fat has been drained off.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Add the taco sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Spread the rice evenly over the top of the meat/veggie layer.
- Arrange the cheese over the rice.
- Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Top with crushed Doritos and serve.
Casserole Toppings
I love topping this Mexican chicken casserole with my favorite taco fixings, such as:
- Avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream
- Cilantro, parsley, scallions, or chives
- Pickled red onions
- Jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
- Black olives
- Salsa
Expert Tips
- Cook the rice in chicken broth for added flavor. I also like adding a bay leaf (optional) during the cooking process. Discard the bay leaf before adding the rice to the skillet.
- If using ground beef or chorizo, be sure to drain the excess grease before building the remainder of the casserole.
- Use slices of cheese to provide a thick cheesy layer that doesn't simply melt away.
- Set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own plate with their favorite taco garnishes.
How to store and reheat
- Store, covered, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees until warmed through. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the Doritos to crisp up.
- For smaller portions, reheat in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
While this casserole can be frozen, I don't recommend it because the texture and consistency may be compromised. However, the meat and veggie mixture can be made ahead of time and frozen. When you are ready to use it, thaw and reheat it in a skillet, then assemble the rest of the casserole according to the recipe's directions.
Yes, the individual components can be prepared ahead of time. Make the meat/veggie layer and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The cooked rice can also be refrigerated for 2-3 days. When ready to assemble, heat the meat mixture, then layer the rice and proceed with the remainder of the recipe.
Dishes to Serve with Mexican Chicken Casserole
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📖 Recipe Card
Mexican Chicken Doritos Casserole (stove-top)
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Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- low-sodium chicken broth (use amount per instructions on rice package)
- 1 bay leaf
Taco mixture
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or similar)
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 16 ounces ground chicken or turkey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- 8 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 7 ounces nacho cheese Doritos (crushed, approx. ¾ of 9.25 ounce bag)
Instructions
Rice
- Add the chicken broth and bay leaf to a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the broth and cook per package directions.
Taco mixture
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the peppers and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the ground chicken and the dry spices. Cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through, breaking the chicken apart as it cooks. Stir in the taco sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- When the rice is ready, remove the bay leaf and spread the rice in an even layer over the turkey mixture.
- Turn the heat to low and top with the slices of cheese. Cover for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Top with crushed Doritos and serve with all of your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
- Cook the rice in chicken broth for added flavor. A bay leaf (optional) adds more flavor. Discard after the rice is cooked.
- If using ground beef or chorizo, be sure to drain the excess grease before building the remainder of the casserole.
- Use slices of cheese to provide a thick cheesy layer that doesn't simply melt away.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the Doritos to crisp up.
- To make ahead, prep the meat/veggie layer and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The cooked rice can also be kept in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, heat the meat/veggie mixture in a skillet, then top with the rice, and proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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