King Ranch Casserole with Doritos: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

King Ranch Casserole is a beloved Tex-Mex dish known for its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Adding Doritos to the mix brings a crunchy texture and a burst of additional flavor that elevates this classic dish. Here's everything you need to know about making a King Ranch Casserole with Doritos.

Ingredients

To create this delicious casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

king ranch casserole with doritos

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and bell peppers until they are tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

king ranch casserole with doritos

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread a layer of crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Add a layer of shredded chicken over the Doritos.
  3. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the chicken.
  4. Add a layer of sautéed onions and bell peppers.
  5. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of crushed Doritos and cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

Tips and Variations

  • Spicy Variation: Add some sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans and corn for a meat-free version.
  • Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Conclusion

King Ranch Casserole with Doritos is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic recipe. The addition of Doritos adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy, cheesy filling. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors and textures!