Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. But what if I told you that you could take this beloved classic and turn it into something even more indulgent? Enter Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken—a bold, flavorful dish that brings together everything we love about mac and cheese with a crunchy, cheesy Doritos topping. It’s the perfect meal for anyone who craves a bit of crunch with their creamy pasta, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering.

What makes this casserole so special? It’s the combination of tender shredded chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and those irresistible, crunchy Doritos chips. The contrast between the creamy, melty cheese and the crispy Doritos creates an unforgettable texture that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re a mac and cheese purist or someone who loves to add a fun twist to your meals, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

But let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dish that’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and screams comfort food? I mean, how could anyone resist the creamy, cheesy goodness of the pasta combined with the savory crunch of Doritos? Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked.

So, let’s dive into how to make this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken! It’s easier than you think, and it all starts with a few basic ingredients. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Getting Started: The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the cooking, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need for this tasty casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 10.5 oz condensed chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 7.5 oz Philadelphia Whipped Chive Cream Cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

For the Topping:

• 2 cups crumbled Doritos nacho chips
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! But first, let’s talk a bit about the creaminess and flavor that makes this casserole so special. The combination of whipped chive cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese in the sauce creates a velvety base that coats the pasta beautifully. And then, the Doritos topping? It’s the cherry on top, bringing that satisfying crunch and a little extra cheese. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your mac and cheese to the next level, this is it.

Step 1: Make the Creamy Base

First, grab a large pot and set it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt it, stirring occasionally to keep it from burning. Once the butter is melted, it’s time to add the flour. Stir well, cooking for about 3 minutes until the flour starts to turn a light golden color. This is your roux, and it’s the base that will give the cheese sauce its thickness.

Next, slowly whisk in the milk. Be sure to do this gradually and keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the milk is fully incorporated, let it come to a gentle boil. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch, but this step is essential for thickening the sauce.

this recipe

Step 2: Add the Macaroni and Other Ingredients

Once the milk mixture is boiling, it’s time to add the macaroni noodles. Stir the noodles into the pot and cover it with a lid. Turn the heat down to low and let the noodles cook for about 3 minutes. Give them a stir every once in a while to make sure they’re not sticking to the bottom. At this point, the noodles won’t be fully cooked, but don’t worry! They’ll finish cooking in the casserole itself.

After the noodles have cooked for a few minutes, add the condensed chicken broth and the shredded chicken. Stir everything together, making sure it’s evenly mixed. The chicken adds a nice layer of protein and flavor, making this a more substantial meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have from a previous dinner.

Now that we’ve got the creamy base with the pasta and chicken all mixed together, it’s time to bring this casserole to life. This part is where the magic happens, and you’ll see how the flavors really come together to create something irresistible. Let’s get to work!

Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Spices

At this point, you’ll want to add the whipped chive cream cheese to your pot. This is where things really start to get creamy and rich. The whipped cream cheese melts into the mixture and helps create a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly. Stir it in thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully melted and you have a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Next, it’s time to season things up! Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. These spices bring out the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese, giving the whole dish that comfort food vibe we all crave. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Now, it’s starting to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 4: Add the Shredded Cheese

This is where the magic of cheese truly shines. Add in 2 cups of your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend to the pot. Stir it in until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce. The mozzarella adds that gooey meltiness we love in mac and cheese, while the cheddar gives it that sharp, rich flavor. The cheese blend is what really pulls everything together, making the sauce decadent and wonderfully cheesy.

Once the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Now that the creamy pasta mixture is ready, it’s time to get everything into the baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick while baking. Carefully transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture from the pot to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly so that the top will cook up perfectly.

Take a moment to admire the creamy, cheesy goodness you’ve created so far—it’s already looking delicious, right?

Step 6: Add the Doritos Topping

Here comes the fun part: the Doritos topping! This is what takes the casserole from “good” to “absolutely irresistible.” Take your Doritos nacho chips and crumble them into small pieces. You can use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them up—whatever works best for you. The crumbled chips add that satisfying crunch that pairs so perfectly with the creamy pasta underneath.

Sprinkle the crumbled Doritos evenly over the top of the casserole. The chips will bake up into a crispy, cheesy layer that gives the dish an extra dimension of texture and flavor.

To finish off the topping, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend on top of the Doritos. This extra layer of cheese will melt into the chips as it bakes, creating a golden, bubbly top that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Melty and Crispy

Now that everything is assembled, it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven at 375°F and bake for about 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the baking time to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Doritos topping turns golden brown and crispy. This short baking time helps the flavors meld together while keeping the texture of the chips just right—crispy but not too hard.

Once the casserole is done baking, you should have a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy pasta with a crunchy, cheesy Doritos topping. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone eagerly grabbing for seconds, and trust me, they’ll be asking for the recipe.

Pro Tip: Make It Ahead of Time!

One of the great things about this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken is that it can easily be made ahead of time. If you’re prepping for a busy day or a gathering, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. This can save you time and stress on the day you’re serving it. Just be sure to let the casserole cool a bit before storing it in the fridge if you plan to make it ahead.

We’ve now made our way through all the delicious steps of creating this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken, but I know you might still have some questions or want a few more tips before you dive in and make it yourself. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this section, I’ll address some of the most common questions about this recipe and provide a few extra ideas for making it even better.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using macaroni noodles in this recipe because they hold the sauce so well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even bowtie pasta would all work great in this casserole. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use, as some may take a bit longer to cook than others.

2. Can I make this recipe without the chicken?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply leave out the chicken and maybe add some extra veggies or beans to make it more filling. You could even toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for an added layer of flavor.

3. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped chive cream cheese?
If you don’t have whipped chive cream cheese on hand, you can definitely use regular cream cheese instead. You may want to add a bit more seasoning, though—some extra onion or garlic powder might do the trick. The whipped cream cheese just makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth, but regular cream cheese will still work fine.

4. Can I freeze this casserole for later?
Yes, you can! This casserole freezes really well. To freeze, let it cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, you can either thaw it in the fridge overnight or bake it straight from the freezer. If baking from frozen, you’ll need to extend the baking time to 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is crispy.

5. What can I use as a substitute for Doritos?
If you’re not a fan of Doritos or want to try something different, you can substitute them with other types of crunchy chips, such as tortilla chips, nacho chips, or even plain potato chips. If you prefer a healthier option, you could even use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, though it won’t have the same cheesy kick as Doritos.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free! Simply swap the regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta, and make sure the chicken broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Just be cautious with the Doritos, as they contain gluten. You can use gluten-free tortilla chips or another crunchy gluten-free snack to replace them.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can easily spice up this casserole. Try adding some diced jalapeños to the sauce or sprinkling red pepper flakes over the Doritos topping before baking. You could also use spicy Doritos or add a bit of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion: A Cheesy, Crunchy, and Comforting Dish You’ll Love

And there you have it—Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken, a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crispy Doritos topping, it’s sure to satisfy all your cravings for comfort food with a little extra flair. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy family gathering, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

I hope you’re as excited to try this dish as I was when I first made it. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, but always delivers on flavor and texture. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try! And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to leave a comment or share any fun variations you tried—there’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen.

Enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness of this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken, and happy cooking!