Mexican White Trash Casserole

This Mexican White Trash Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, cheesy dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The combination of crunchy Doritos, savory chicken, and melty cheese creates layers of flavor that make this dish irresistible for weeknight meals and casual gatherings alike.

I first made this casserole during a busy sports season when my kids needed quick, filling dinners between practices. It was such a hit that it quickly earned a permanent spot in our monthly rotation, with everyone fighting over the crispy corner pieces.

Ingredients

• Nacho Doritos: The star ingredient providing that unmistakable crunch and flavor. Crush them gently to maintain some texture.
• Shredded chicken: Provides protein and substance. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves prep time.
• Shredded cheese: Creates that gorgeous melty top layer. Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged varieties.
• Cream of chicken soup: Delivers richness and helps bind everything together. The concentrated flavor boosts the overall taste.
• Rotel tomatoes: Adds brightness acidity and a hint of heat. The green chilies provide just enough kick without overwhelming.
• Sour cream: Contributes creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the rich ingredients.
• Milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency for even distribution throughout the layers.
• Taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mexican flavors without requiring multiple spice additions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and prevents the bottom layer from becoming soggy.

Prepare the Filling:

Combine your shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir until completely uniform in consistency. This mixture should be creamy but not too runny, similar to a thick sauce that will coat the chips without making them soggy.

Create Your Base Layer:

Spread half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Use slightly larger pieces rather than fine crumbs to maintain texture after baking. Press them gently to create an even foundation.

Add First Filling Layer:

Carefully spoon half of the chicken mixture over the Dorito base. Use the back of your spoon to spread it evenly, reaching all corners of the dish. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.

Build Your Second Layer:

Add another layer of crushed Doritos on top of the chicken mixture, followed by the remaining chicken mixture. This layering technique creates pockets of crunch between the creamy filling.

Top With Cheese:

Cover the entire casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Make sure it extends to the edges where it will create deliciously crispy cheese pulls when baked.

Bake To Perfection:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly with crispy edges.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This crucial step helps the layers set so they don’t collapse when served.

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My absolute favorite aspect of this dish is how the Doritos along the edges become perfectly toasted during baking while still maintaining a slight crunch in the center. This textural contrast reminds me of my grandmother’s enchilada casserole, which we enjoyed during summer visits to her Texas home.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes customization based on your family’s preferences. For a spicier version, use Hot Rotel tomatoes and Cool Ranch Doritos. If serving little ones, opt for mild tomatoes and classic nacho cheese chips. You can also add a layer of black beans or corn for extra nutrients and texture without changing the overall character of the dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Doritos will soften over time but still taste delicious. For the best reheating results, use an oven or toaster oven set to 325°F rather than a microwave, which can make the casserole soggy. If freezing, wrap portions tightly in foil before placing in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this casserole into a complete meal by serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For a festive spread, add guacamole, pico de gallo, and extra sour cream on the side. The casserole also pairs wonderfully with Mexican street corn or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness.

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This dish is a warm, comforting reminder of how small tweaks to simple ingredients can deliver big flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this Mexican casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. However, add the final Dorito layer just before baking to maintain crispiness. You may need to increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if cooking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for Doritos?

Regular tortilla chips work well as a milder alternative. You could also try different Doritos flavors like Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho for a flavor variation. For a healthier option, baked tortilla chips can be used.

→ How do I store leftover casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the Doritos will soften over time. Reheat in the microwave until heated through, or in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to help restore some crispness.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, but for best results, freeze before baking and without the Doritos. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add fresh Doritos layers, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ How can I make this casserole spicier?

To increase heat, use Hot Ro-tel tomatoes, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, or top with sliced fresh jalapeños before serving. You could also use Spicy Nacho or Flamin' Hot Doritos for extra kick.

→ Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or sautéed onions to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure any added vegetables are well-drained to prevent excess moisture.