Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
The Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of hearty comfort food that instantly reminds you of home. This delicious one-dish meal comes packed with juicy chicken, tender spaghetti, colorful veggies, and a generous layer of melty sharp cheddar, all tied together with just the right kick of Southern spices. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a dish that will make everyone say “Wow!” this casserole is destined to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long list to make magic happen in your kitchen—just a handful of honest ingredients that come together seamlessly. Each element adds its own layer of flavor, color, or creamy texture to the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, making every bite both exciting and comforting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): These are the juicy stars of the show, providing hearty protein and that signature casserole bite.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Tender, toothsome noodles soak up all the flavors and provide the perfect base for cheesy, creamy goodness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The bold, tangy cheddar melts down into gooey pockets, blanketing the casserole in irresistible cheesiness.
- Fresh bell peppers (1 cup, chopped): Not only do they add a pop of color, but sweet bell peppers also bring a bite of crunch and subtle freshness to balance the richness.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This classic shortcut creates the luscious base that holds everything together with savory, creamy flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky depth and a gorgeous reddish hue—essential for that soulful Southern touch.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp): This is where the “spicy” comes in! Just the right amount for warmth and excitement without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings a mellow, savory backbone that lifts the chicken and cheese in every forkful.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Fresh, zesty, and just a bit peppery, sprinkled on top for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by cranking your oven up to 350°F (175°C) and giving your favorite casserole dish a slick of non-stick spray or a touch of oil. This ensures nothing sticks and clean-up will be a breeze—so you can focus on enjoying every bite of your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole later on!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot over medium heat, cook your chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a golden edge and are fully cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes, then shred or chop them into tender pieces—the perfect way to distribute savory flavor throughout your casserole.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your spaghetti until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain it well—no soggy noodles, please! Set aside while you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Mix It Up
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of your cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly united and you’re tempted to sneak a taste (we won’t tell!).
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the savory, spicy mixture into your greased casserole dish, using a spatula to even it all out. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that picture-perfect finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and gloriously golden brown on top. That irresistible cheesy aroma means you’re getting close!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole a few minutes to settle—this helps everything firm up for better slices. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for color and punch. Now, gather everyone around, because dinner is ready!
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Green onions are the finishing flourish, but you could also shower your casserole with sliced jalapeños, a dash more paprika, or even a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra brightness. They’re not just pretty—they dial up the fresh flavor!
Side Dishes
Pair your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with simple sides to make it a complete Southern feast. Think buttery cornbread, a quick green salad with tangy dressing, or steamed green beans. For something extra-comforting, serve with sweet tea or a glass of cold lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, scoop the casserole into colorful individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist. Or for family nights, serve it straight from the bubbly dish with rustic bread for dunking. Leftovers also make excellent lunchbox treats—simply pack into thermoses for easy, on-the-go meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After everyone has had their fill, let the casserole cool completely. Store any remaining Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply let the cooked casserole cool, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. You’ll be grateful for a homemade meal just waiting for you when life is busy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly. If the casserole seems a bit dry, a splash of chicken broth or milk will bring back its creamy, indulgent texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut when you’re pressed for time. Just shred about 1.5 lbs of the cooked chicken and stir right into your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole mixture.
Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While classic spaghetti is traditional, any long pasta such as linguine or fettuccine will work. Even short shapes like penne can lend a fun twist to this comforting casserole.
How spicy is this dish really?
The heat is definitely noticeable, thanks to the cayenne and paprika, but not overwhelming. If you love it extra spicy, add more cayenne or toss in some diced jalapeños; for a milder version, reduce the cayenne or skip it altogether.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can certainly modify the recipe! Use your favorite dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free condensed soup (many brands offer alternatives now). The result won’t be quite as creamy, but you’ll still get that spicy, satisfying flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble the casserole?
If you want to get ahead, you can assemble the whole dish (minus the final cheese topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then sprinkle on the cheese just before baking. Perfect for meal-prep or busy nights!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing comfort with just the right amount of kick, Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is it. Every spoonful is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just the thing to bring family and friends together. Give it a try and watch it become an instant classic at your table!
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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Bell Peppers:
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
Cream of Chicken Soup:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Spices:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Green Onions:
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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.
- Mix Ingredients: 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 Casserole: 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.
- This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Spicy, Cheesy, Chicken, Spaghetti, Casserole, Southern, Comfort Food
