Description: A delightfully simple and crowd-pleasing casserole, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is a symphony of textures and flavors. Crunchy Doritos form the base, layered with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture infused with zesty spices and Ro’tel tomatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit. This recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking. Prepare to be amazed by how such a humble combination of ingredients can create such a satisfying and addictive meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-12 ounce) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, coarsely crushed
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can Ro’tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- Optional: sliced green onions, diced avocado, salsa for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel tomatoes (undrained), sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Ensure there are no lumps of soup or sour cream. This mixture forms the creamy and flavorful base of the casserole.
Step 3: Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a crunchy and flavorful foundation for the casserole. Be sure to distribute them evenly so that every bite has that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Pour half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos layer, spreading it evenly to cover the chips. This ensures that the creamy chicken mixture is distributed throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Repeat the layers: Add the remaining crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining chicken mixture. This creates the signature layered effect of the casserole.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and prevents the casserole from drying out while baking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Removing the foil allows the top to become crispy and golden brown.
Step 10: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a surefire winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It requires minimal prep time and uses simple, readily available ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of cheesy, creamy, and crunchy textures is irresistible to most people.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more taco seasoning for extra kick, substitute different types of cheese, or add your favorite vegetables.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or your favorite salsa.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as chopped cilantro, jalapenos, and lime wedges, so guests can customize their servings.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use a spicier taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- If you don’t have Ro’tel tomatoes, you can substitute them with a can of diced tomatoes and a can of diced green chilies.
- To prevent the Doritos from becoming soggy, add them to the casserole just before baking.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For a creamier casserole, use full-fat sour cream and milk.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken mixture, such as corn, black beans, or bell peppers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-35g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (can vary depending on the type of Doritos and taco seasoning used)
Conclusion
The Mexican White Trash Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its crunchy, creamy, and cheesy layers are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that will become a family favorite! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined creatively, can create something truly extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chips instead of Doritos?
A: Absolutely! While Nacho Cheese Doritos are the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors of Doritos or even use tortilla chips for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the chips will impact the overall taste of the casserole.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the shredded chicken with cooked black beans or vegetarian crumbles. You can also add extra vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini to make it even more filling.
Q3: How can I reduce the sodium content of this recipe?
A: To reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-sodium taco seasoning, and choose a cheese with lower sodium content. You can also rinse the Ro’tel tomatoes before adding them to the casserole.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: While you can freeze this casserole, the texture of the Doritos may change upon thawing, becoming slightly softer. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q5: What other toppings can I add to this casserole?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some other great toppings include pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings.
