Thank you so much for being here—your love for easy, comforting meals makes this community feel like home! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and ridiculously simple to make. Right after the Mexican White Trash Casserole title, I just have to say—this Layered Cheesy Chicken Dorito Bake is comfort food turned up to eleven! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a potluck, or just need something hearty after a long day, this is the recipe for you.
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What is Mexican White Trash Casserole?
This casserole is a bold, flavorful mashup of Tex-Mex ingredients layered into one gooey, cheesy masterpiece. Think creamy shredded chicken, Ro’tel tomatoes, melty cheese, and crunchy nacho cheese Doritos—baked together into a bubbly, golden brown dream. It’s playful, unapologetically indulgent, and—best of all—easy to make with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash Casserole
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Crazy simple to throw together: A few cans, some shredded chicken, and chips. Done!
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Bold, zesty Tex-Mex flavor: With taco seasoning and Ro’tel tomatoes, there’s a little kick in every bite.
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Cheesy, creamy, crunchy trifecta: That texture combo? Anything but boring!!
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Great for leftovers: Reheats like a dream.
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Kid- and crowd-approved: Everyone from toddlers to teens to taco-night purists will dig in happily.
What Does This Cheesy Dorito Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine the richness of a chicken enchilada, the crunch of nacho chips, and the melty deliciousness of queso—all layered in one bite. It’s creamy and tangy, thanks to sour cream and Ro’tel, but with a kick of spice and that signature Dorito crunch that keeps you going back for seconds (and thirds!).
Benefits of Making This Casserole
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Quick Prep: Perfect for weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without fuss.
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Affordable Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or fridge regulars.
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Customizable: Spice level? Cheese type? Add-ins? You call the shots.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.
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One Dish, Less Mess: Minimal cleanup = major win.
Ingredients for Mexican White Trash Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 bag Nacho Doritos – Crushed for that signature crunch.
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2 cups shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here.
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2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
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1 can cream of chicken soup – Adds richness and creaminess.
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1 can Ro’tel tomatoes with green chilies – Tangy, spicy, and full of flavor.
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½ cup sour cream – For that luscious, creamy base.
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½ cup milk – Helps smooth out the filling.
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½ package taco seasoning – Brings the Tex-Mex flair.
Optional Substitutions
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Swap Doritos for tortilla chips for a lighter crunch.
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Use cream of mushroom instead of chicken for a deeper, earthier flavor.
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Choose low-fat cheese and sour cream for a healthier spin.
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Add fresh diced jalapeños for heat or corn for a sweet pop!
Tools You’ll Need
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2-quart casserole dish – A deep baking dish to hold all those dreamy layers.
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Mixing bowl – For the creamy chicken mixture.
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Aluminum foil – To keep things melty but not burnt.
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Measuring cups – Precision = perfection!
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Spatula or large spoon – For easy layering.
How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease your casserole dish well.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: Want more kick? Add a handful of chopped cilantro or a diced jalapeño here!
Step 3: Layer It Up
Spread half the crushed Doritos on the bottom of your dish. Spoon half of the creamy chicken mixture over the chips. Repeat, ending with cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with more crushed Doritos, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of sour cream.
What to Serve with This Casserole
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
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Mexican street corn (elote)
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Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
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Refried beans or black beans
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Fresh guacamole and salsa
Tips for Making the Perfect Dorito Casserole
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Don’t over-crush the chips: Leave them in medium-sized chunks for best crunch.
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Shred your own cheese: It melts better and tastes fresher!
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Use warm chicken: Helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
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Let it rest after baking: It sets up nicely and slices more cleanly.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Reheating: Pop individual servings in the microwave or reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute for Ro’tel?
No Ro’tel? No problem! You can use a can of diced tomatoes and add a chopped green chili or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for that zesty kick.
Can I use ground beef instead of shredded chicken?
Definitely! Just brown and season the ground beef first. It adds a heartier, taco-night vibe that still pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and crunchy Doritos.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild kick, mostly from the Ro’tel and taco seasoning. Want it milder? Use plain diced tomatoes or a mild taco mix. Craving more heat? Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?
A freshly shredded blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can—it contains anti-caking agents that affect meltiness.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
This dish is best baked for that golden top and crisp edges, but you can prepare the filling in a slow cooker and then transfer it to a casserole dish for a quick bake with the Doritos and cheese.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This cheesy dish pairs wonderfully with fresh sides like Mexican street corn, a crisp green salad, refried beans, or guacamole and chips!
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and double all the ingredients. Bake time may need a slight increase—just keep an eye on that bubbly top and golden cheese.
Conclusion: A Cheesy Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s just something magical about this Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s casual, comforting, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re dishing it up for game night or making it part of your weekly rotation, you’re going to fall in love with how satisfying—and simple—it is.
Looking for more cozy and crave-worthy dishes? Check out these reader favorites:
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7 Delightful Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipes – The perfect warm-up for chilly nights!
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5 Reasons to Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – Bold, spicy, and perfect for game day.
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7 Delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe Ideas for Gatherings – Classic crowd-pleasers with creative twists.
Let’s Connect!
Did you make this cheesy dream of a dish? I’d love to hear about it!
Leave a review in the comments or tag me in your photos on Pinterest—nothing makes my day like seeing your kitchen creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 23g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 25g
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Sodium: 780mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
Dig in and enjoy every last cheesy bite—this one’s a keeper!
Print
7 Irresistible Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican White Trash Casserole—also known as Layered Cheesy Chicken Dorito Bake—is the ultimate comfort food! With layers of crunchy nacho Doritos, creamy chicken, zesty Ro’tel, and melty cheese, this easy weeknight dinner is bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavor. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or anytime you need something fast, filling, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients
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1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed (medium-sized pieces, not fine crumbs)
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2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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1 can cream of chicken soup
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1 can Ro’tel tomatoes with diced green chilies
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup milk
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½ packet taco seasoning mix
Optional Add-ins and Substitutions:
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Diced jalapeños or chopped cilantro
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Swap Doritos for tortilla chips
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Use cream of mushroom instead of chicken soup
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Lighten up with low-fat cheese and sour cream
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
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Make the creamy filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until well combined.
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Start layering: Spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of your casserole dish. Spoon half the chicken mixture over the chips.
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Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining Doritos and a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
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Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with extra crushed Doritos, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
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Crunch factor tip: Don’t crush your Doritos too finely—medium pieces give the best texture!
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Cheese tip: Shred your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
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Make-ahead tip: Assemble this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
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Freezer tip: You can freeze the unbaked casserole—just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
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Spice control: Use mild Ro’tel or swap in plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less heat.
Equipment
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2-quart casserole dish
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Mixing bowl
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Aluminum foil
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Measuring cups
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Large spoon or spatula
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Mexican White Trash Casserole, cheesy chicken dorito bake, Tex-Mex casserole, layered chicken casserole, rotisserie chicken bake