Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Get ready to experience pure comfort in a pan with this decadent Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, a luxuriously creamy sauce, just the right amount of heat, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese all tangled together with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s the kind of soul-satisfying meal that brings everyone running to the table, whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a laid-back Sunday. This dish has been in my dinner rotation for years, and once you try it, you’ll see why it has homespun Southern charm and spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole is proof that you don’t need a mile-long shopping list for a fantastic dinner. Each ingredient here plays a specific role—bringing flavor, creaminess, color, or a touch of heat—so your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole turns out absolutely irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide hearty protein and soak up all the seasonings beautifully.
- Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti catches every bit of sauce and cheese, making every forkful satisfying.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor and a golden, bubbly topping.
- Fresh bell peppers: Bell peppers add crunch, color, and a sweet edge that balances the spice.
- Cream of chicken soup: This shortcut is the secret to a luxuriously creamy casserole base.
- Paprika: Paprika gives a deep warmth and a lovely earthy undertone.
- Cayenne pepper: Just half a teaspoon brings a nice but manageable heat to this Southern classic.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses every bite with savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, colorful finish—and a gentle bite right on top.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect golden finish. Give your casserole dish a quick spray or a swipe with a little oil, so cleanup later is a breeze and nothing sticks to the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Pop your chicken breasts in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them brown and develop that crave-worthy flavor—about 6–7 minutes per side should do it. Once they’re beautifully golden and cooked through, set them aside so you can easily shred them for your casserole.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken is cooking, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until just al dente—usually 8 to 10 minutes. You want the noodles perfectly tender, but still firm enough to hold up in the oven. Drain them and set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a big bowl, combine your shredded chicken, spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half the cheddar cheese. Give everything a good toss until that spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness coats every strand of spaghetti and piece of chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the top, because there’s no such thing as too much cheese! Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and deliciously bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole has finished baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up perfectly. Just before serving, scatter plenty of green onions on top for fresh flavor and a pop of color.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Garnish your casserole generously with bright green onions for a fresh, zippy contrast to the cheesy richness. If you like even more color and punch, add a sprinkle of extra paprika or a few thinly sliced jalapeños for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This casserole really shines next to simple sides. Try it with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or a pile of tender green beans. For real Southern comfort, warm dinner rolls or cornbread never hurt!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole the star of your next gathering, serve it in individual ramekins or mini cocottes for a party-ready twist. Or slice into squares and arrange them on a pretty platter—watch how quickly they disappear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes just as fantastic for up to 3 days and makes for an unbeatable next-day lunch.
Freezing
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, enjoy within 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep it moist. If needed, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen things back up.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred about 2 cups and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts for an even faster Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Is it okay to swap out the type of cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar gives a classic, tangy bite, feel free to try a blend with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for more heat, or even a little mozzarella for extra meltiness. Just keep the total amount the same.
What if I want a spicier casserole?
If you like extra kick, add an extra pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also top with hot sauce before serving for individually tailored spice.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free spaghetti and check that your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I assemble Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
You can! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is as comforting as it is crave-worthy—perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping all to yourself. I hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as I do!
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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and a perfect blend of spices. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Casserole Mixture: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spicy, Southern, Cheesy, Chicken, Spaghetti, Casserole, Comfort Food
