Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish. It combines the flavors of chicken, cheese, and spices, making it a family favorite. This recipe is not only tasty but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just your family, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 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)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This casserole can be served as a main dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side. For an extra kick, consider adding some hot sauce to individual servings.
How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking it.
- Feel free to use other types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different taste.
- You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make it even more nutritious.
Variation
If you prefer a less spicy version, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also switch the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred it and mix it into the casserole.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it well and store it for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from frozen but add extra time.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining chicken, cheese, and spices, perfect for feeding a crowd or the family.
Ingredients
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices. You can use various cheeses and add vegetables for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
