Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken – The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food
If you love cheesy, crunchy, and incredibly indulgent comfort food, this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine creamy mac and cheese, tender bites of chicken, and a bold, crunchy layer of Doritos on top—this casserole takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese and levels it up with an irresistible cheesy, zesty kick.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game day, or anytime you’re craving something over-the-top delicious, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Creamy – A rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every bite.
- Crunchy & Bold – Doritos add the perfect crispy topping with a burst of flavor.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – This dish is a favorite for all ages.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable – Adjust the heat level, swap proteins, or make it extra creamy.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
For the Doritos Topping:
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Add the Doritos Topping
- In a bowl, mix crushed Doritos with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for an extra-crispy topping.
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Make It Spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Swap Proteins – Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or even bacon for a twist.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for ultra-lush mac and cheese.
- Crunchier Topping? – Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
What to Serve with Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great side options.
- Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs never hurt with mac and cheese!
- Pickles or Coleslaw – A tangy contrast to the creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Freezing:
- Freeze the casserole (without the Doritos topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight, add fresh Doritos, and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Sharp cheddar, gouda, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack will work great.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Any cooked chicken works—grilled, rotisserie, or baked. Leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe.
Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?
Absolutely! Try Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or Flamin’ Hot Doritos for a twist.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy mac and the crunchy Doritos topping. For less spice, skip the smoked paprika.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the Doritos topping, refrigerate, then add the topping right before baking.
How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?
For the best crunch, add the Doritos topping just before baking. If reheating, consider adding fresh crushed Doritos before serving.
Can I make this without chicken?
Yes! You can omit the chicken or replace it with black beans, tofu, or extra cheese for a vegetarian version.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or evaporated milk for a slightly lighter sauce.
Final Thoughts
Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Give it a try and let us know how it turned out. Warning: You may never go back to regular mac and cheese again!
Print
Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken
Description
If you love cheesy, crunchy, and incredibly indulgent comfort food, this Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine creamy mac and cheese, tender bites of chicken, and a bold, crunchy layer of Doritos on top—this casserole takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese and levels it up with an irresistible cheesy, zesty kick.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game day, or anytime you’re craving something over-the-top delicious, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
For the Doritos Topping:
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Add the Doritos Topping
- In a bowl, mix crushed Doritos with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for an extra-crispy topping.
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for the Best Doritos Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Make It Spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Swap Proteins – Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or even bacon for a twist.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for ultra-lush mac and cheese.
- Crunchier Topping? – Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
