Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of spices and bell peppers, baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and packs a delightful spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Main Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables & 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are fully cooked through. Remove from pot and shred when cool enough to handle.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 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 well to integrate all flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh and mild onion flavor.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup of milk or sour cream with the soup before mixing.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level based on your preference.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust flavor; however, feel free to substitute with a mild cheddar if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Chicken spaghetti casserole, spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, Southern comfort food, baked spaghetti casserole
