Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of southern spices. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions, this casserole makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Condiments & Spices
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing 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. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your desired spice level.
- For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti, spicy chicken bake, southern comfort food, baked spaghetti casserole, spicy chicken spaghetti
