Try 1 Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Oh, hello there, fellow food lovers! It’s Anna, and if there’s one thing that makes my heart sing, it’s a good, cozy chicken dish that doesn’t take forever to make. You know, the kind of meal that just wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly evening? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you today! We’re diving headfirst into my absolute favorite Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen because it’s just *that* good and surprisingly simple!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Seriously, this dish is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect blend of easy, flavorful, and comforting goodness. You’ll be making it again and again!

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  Quick and Easy Preparation

  
  

  It comes together so fast, even on the busiest weeknights!

  
  
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  Packed with Flavor

  
  

  Get ready for that amazing spicy kick, loads of cheesy goodness, and all those warm Southern vibes.

  
  
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  Perfect for Weeknights

  
  

  This casserole is a lifesaver when you need a delicious meal without a fuss.

  
  

Gather Your Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! For this amazing casserole, you’re going to want to gather some simple, good-quality ingredients that really sing together. It’s all about bringing that comforting Southern flavor to your table, and these bits and bobs are key.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	3–4 (about 1.5 lbs)	Cooked and shredded
Spaghetti	8 oz	Cooked al dente
Sharp cheddar cheese	2 cups	Shredded
Bell peppers	1 cup	Chopped
Cream of chicken soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Paprika	1 tsp
Cayenne pepper	1/2 tsp	Adjust to taste
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Green onions	1/4 cup	Sliced, for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

A few little tips to make sure everything is just perfect! Don’t stress if you don’t have something exact; we can totally make magic happen.

Chicken Preparation

I usually just boil my chicken breasts until they’re cooked through, then shred them with two forks. Super easy! You could also bake them or even use a rotisserie chicken if you’re in a real pinch for time. Just make sure it’s cooked and ready to be pulled apart.

Spice Level Adjustment

Now, for the heat! That 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne gives it a nice little Southern kick, but if you’re like me and love a bit more fire, go ahead and add a little extra. If you prefer it milder, just cut back on the cayenne or leave it out entirely. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Bell Pepper Variations

Bell peppers add a lovely sweetness and a bit of texture, but if they aren’t your favorite, no worries! Finely chopped yellow onion or even some celery would work beautifully here too. Just chop them up small so they blend in nicely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Okay, friends, let’s get this party started! Making this casserole is honestly a breeze, but there are a few little tricks that make it extra special. It’s one of those dishes that makes my kitchen smell absolutely divine – like pure comfort. I remember the first time I made this for my picky nephew, and he actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew I had a winner.

Preheating and Dish Preparation

First things first, let’s get that oven fired up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite large casserole dish – mine’s a trusty ceramic one that’s seen better days but works like a charm. Give it a good grease with a little butter or cooking spray. This just makes sure nothing sticks, and nobody wants a casserole stuck to the pan!

Cooking the Chicken

Now, for the chicken! I like to use a big ol’ pot for this. Toss your chicken breasts in and cook them over medium heat. You’re looking for them to get nice and golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re totally cooked through. Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool just enough so you can handle them. Then, shred them up using two forks – it’s kind of therapeutic, really!

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the chicken is doing its thing, get a big pot of water boiling for the spaghetti. Don’t forget to salt that water – it really makes a difference in the pasta’s flavor! Cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, which means it still has a tiny bit of bite to it. Usually, that’s about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain it really well and set it aside. We don’t want any watery spaghetti in our casserole!

Combining the Casserole Mixture

This is where all the magic starts to come together! In a big mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, the cooked spaghetti, that can of creamy chicken soup, your chopped bell peppers, and all those yummy spices – the paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until everything is coated and looks like a glorious, spicy mess. Then, toss in about half of your shredded cheddar cheese and mix that in too. Oh, the smell already!

Baking the Casserole

Now, pour that beautiful mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Then comes the best part – topping it all off with the rest of that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure it’s spread all over the top so you get that perfect golden, bubbly crust. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Resting and Garnishing

Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up nicely. Then, sprinkle those fresh, sliced green onions all over the top. They add a pop of color and a fresh little bite that cuts through all the richness. And there you have it – pure Southern comfort in a dish!

Tips for a Perfect Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Getting this casserole just right is all about a few simple tricks. Follow these, and you’ll have a winner every time!

Evenly Distribute Ingredients

Make sure you give everything a good, thorough mix when you’re combining the chicken, spaghetti, soup, and spices. This way, you get that perfect balance of flavor in every single bite, not just in one corner!

Avoid Overcooking Spaghetti

Seriously, don’t cook your spaghetti to mush! Cooking it just al dente is key. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, and if it’s too soft from the start, you’ll end up with a mushy casserole instead of one with a nice texture.

Cheese Melting Technique

For that gorgeous, golden-brown cheese topping, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. You can even pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two if you want it extra bubbly and browned, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!

Serving and Storing Your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is so hearty and satisfying, it really doesn’t need much to shine! I love serving it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. A slice of crusty bread for dipping into any cheesy goodness left in the dish is also a must in my house!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They’re almost as good the next day. Just pop any remaining casserole into an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop a portion in the microwave until it’s nice and hot, or for an even better texture, warm it up in a moderate oven until it’s heated through.

Airtight container in refrigerator

3-4 days

Microwave or oven

Until heated through

Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Got some burning questions about this cheesy, spicy delight? I’ve got you covered!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it up and toss it in with the other ingredients. It makes getting this delicious chicken spaghetti casserole on the table even faster!

What are good vegetarian substitutions for this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Oh, for sure! To make this vegetarian, you can swap out the chicken for extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli florets. You’ll want to add a bit more cream of chicken soup or maybe some vegetable broth to keep that creamy texture. It’ll still be wonderfully cheesy and comforting!

How spicy is this chicken spaghetti casserole?

This version has a nice little Southern kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. The 1/2 teaspoon gives it a pleasant warmth. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily reduce or omit the cayenne. If you love it fiery, feel free to add a bit more!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You bet! You can totally assemble the casserole (before baking) and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s perfect for planning ahead!

Nutritional Information for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Just so you know, this delicious casserole is pretty hearty! Here’s an idea of what you’re looking at per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates, and your mileage might vary a bit depending on exact ingredients!

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	approx. 500 kcal
Protein	approx. 30g
Carbohydrates	approx. 40g
Fat	approx. 25g
Sodium	approx. 800mg
Sugar	approx. 5g

Share Your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Experience

I just love hearing from you all! Did you try this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I’d also love to see your creations on social media – tag me so I can share in your deliciousness!

You can also find more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration on Pinterest.

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