Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting blend of tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and shred once cooled slightly.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Step 7: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash more cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Use a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture and mild flavor.
• Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher taste.
• For a lighter version, swap out half of the cheddar cheese for reduced-fat cheese.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and can save time. Just shred it and mix it in step 4 as instructed.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, hearty spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of cayenne pepper for a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this casserole is a delicious meal that brings Southern flair and a spicy twist to your dinner table.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti

Cheese and Dairy

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Spices

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a pop of color.

Notes

• You can adjust the cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your taste.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting results compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Substitute bell peppers with jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, Southern casserole, baked chicken pasta, comfort food, spicy cheddar chicken