Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, look no further than Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This bubbling, golden classic combines juicy chicken, zesty peppers, gooey sharp cheddar, and a touch of Southern heat—all wrapped in a blanket of creamy sauce and tender spaghetti. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to bring some spicy Southern magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this casserole is simple, but every component pulls its weight, creating a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. A handful of pantry staples and a pop of fresh produce are all it takes to build this irresistible comfort dish!
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy shredding and a lean, tender base for the casserole.
- Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti noodles turn this dish into a hearty main—it’s the cozy backbone of your casserole.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The vibrant tang and meltiness of sharp cheddar brings both flavor and that craveable, cheesy blanket on top.
- Bell peppers: Chopped fresh, they add color, sweet crunch, and a nod to classic Southern flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple brings creaminess and savory depth, holding everything together beautifully.
- Paprika: The smoky, slightly sweet note adds Southern warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Cayenne pepper: For that signature spicy kick—adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
- Garlic powder: Amps up savory notes in every bite, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- Green onions: Sprinkle them on top for fresh, peppery brightness and a gorgeous finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to grease a large casserole dish; this keeps your casserole from sticking and makes serving a breeze. A little prep here sets you up for a gorgeous, golden finish later!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot over medium heat. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks, making sure to keep those tasty juices for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes—just tender enough to soak up sauce, but still holding shape. Drain, and set aside while you get the rest of the ingredients ready.
Step 4: Mix it All Together
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of your cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until every strand and morsel is coated in creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in your greased casserole dish, then top with the rest of the cheddar. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes—what emerges will be bubbling and beautifully golden, with cheesy edges you’ll want to snag for yourself.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Give your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole a quick five-minute rest after baking. This helps everything set and makes cutting easier. Before serving, scatter chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra green onions is classic, but don’t be afraid to jazz things up with fresh parsley, a dusting of paprika, or even some sliced jalapeños for more heat. These final touches add color and a finishing flair that makes the casserole irresistible.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of this casserole with fresh or tangy sides: think a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed green beans, or a vinegary slaw. A slice of crusty cornbread or garlic Texas toast is perfect for mopping up any cheesy sauce left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party or potluck. For a Southern-inspired picnic, scoop it into sturdy cups or mason jars for an easy-to-eat option. If you love bringing drama to the table, garnish with colorful peppers or a dusting of bright red paprika just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, ready to reheat for a quick lunch or supper.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer champion! Assemble as directed, but before baking, wrap the dish tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed—just add an extra few minutes to account for the chill.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave works in a pinch, but baking delivers that coveted cheesy crust. If the casserole looks dry, add a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving shortcut. Shred about 2 cups and stir it in with your other ingredients. It lends wonderful flavor, and you’ll skip the step of cooking chicken yourself.
How spicy is the casserole as written?
It has a gentle, lingering heat that most spice lovers will enjoy. If you’re feeding heat-sensitive eaters or kids, start with less cayenne pepper—just 1/4 teaspoon—and add more at the table if desired.
Can I swap the cheese for something else?
Yes! If you love cheese variety, feel free to substitute part of the cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack, or even mozzarella. Each cheese will bring its own flavor and melting personality.
Is it possible to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free noodles, and be sure your cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free. The results are every bit as delicious and family-friendly!
Can I add more veggies?
Go for it! Mushrooms, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, or thawed frozen peas are fantastic additions. Just make sure not to overload the casserole; about 1 extra cup of veggies will blend in perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors, creamy cheese, and a cozy Southern kick, you simply have to try Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that never disappoints—so gather your favorite people, bake up a bubbly pan, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy forkful!
Print
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese Mixture:
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Mixture: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, Southern Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, Spicy Casserole
