Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re in the mood for comfort with a kick, you’re about to meet your new weeknight obsession: Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Imagine tender bites of chicken, creamy sauce hugging every strand of spaghetti, sharp cheddar bubbling on top, and that unmistakable southern heat from Cayenne and paprika. This casserole is everything great about Southern cooking wrapped up in a single, easy-to-love dish perfect for potlucks, Sunday suppers, or turning a regular Tuesday into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is how every simple ingredient shines in the end result. Each brings its own personality—from creamy and mild to sharp and spicy—guaranteeing every bite is playful and flavorful.
- Chicken breasts (3-4 boneless, skinless): The heart of the casserole—juicy, flavorful, and the ultimate protein base after being cooked just right.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Choose classic spaghetti for that iconic comfort casserole texture; it holds up beautifully in the sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Go for sharp cheddar to add bold, tangy richness and that must-have gooey, golden topping.
- Bell peppers (1 cup, chopped): Adds a touch of sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color that makes every forkful pop.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Brings ultra creamy consistency—your shortcut to luscious, velvety sauce with deep savory flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Smoky and sweet, it builds layers of warmth and that signature southern hint of heat.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp): Don’t skip it! The cayenne provides the ‘spicy’ kick that defines this casserole—feel free to adjust to your heat level.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives garlicky depth and rounds out the aromatics in a way that’s gentle but essential.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Fresh and slightly zesty, they’re the perfect finishing touch for flavor and a pop of fresh green.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is the sweet spot for making sure everything cooks evenly and the casserole bubbles up beautifully. Don’t forget to grease a large casserole dish first; it not only prevents sticking but also makes for much easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large pot over medium heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re perfectly golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces so each forkful gets some of that tender meat.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook until just al dente—usually 8 to 10 minutes is enough. Drain well and set aside; you want those noodles ready to soak up all the creamy, cheesy flavors to come.
Step 4: Mix Up the Casserole Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly coated with all those bold spices and cheese.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your cheesy chicken spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the top for that melty, golden layer everyone loves. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and gloriously golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking—this gives the bubbling cheese time to settle. Then shower it with sliced green onions to add bright flavor, color, and the ultimate finishing flair.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of sliced green onions is classic, but you can also add chopped parsley or even a few extra pinches of cayenne for those who like it fiery. A little crumbled bacon on top also works magic for both crunch and smoky flavor. Simple garnishes elevate the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole into true Southern comfort food glory!
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette, or serve with tender Southern green beans or roasted veggies. Warm, fluffy rolls or buttery cornbread are also amazing for soaking up every last drop of that cheesy sauce. These sides turn the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole into a memorable, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at dinner parties. Or, for potlucks, serve directly from the baking dish with a scatter of extra green onions and a dash of paprika for flair. It’s also delicious piled on top of toasted Texas toast for a southern-inspired open-face sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers, then refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a handy option for easy lunches or next-day dinners that taste just as good as fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Even after freezing, the flavors of Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole come through bold and comforting.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again, or pop personal servings in the microwave for a speedy lunch treat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore that luscious, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster to prepare and adds great flavor. Simply shred 3-4 cups and mix directly into the casserole mixture. It’s a handy shortcut for busy nights.
Is there a way to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole less spicy?
Of course! For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and choose a mild paprika. The dish will still be deliciously cheesy and flavorful, just without as much heat.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While sharp cheddar is a classic, you can mix in some Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra spice, or a bit of mozzarella for extra meltiness. Just be sure to use at least half sharp cheddar for the best Southern flavor.
Can I add extra veggies to the casserole?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes can be stirred in with the bell peppers. Just be sure to sauté extra veggies first to keep the sauce from getting watery.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup—many stores carry convenient GF options nowadays!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a little kick with your comfort food, this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is about to be your new favorite recipe. It’s hearty, zesty, and always a crowd-pleaser—so gather your loved ones, give this Southern classic a try, and let the cozy, cheesy goodness bring everyone back for second helpings!
Print
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and a kick of spices. It’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 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
- 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 the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Spicy, Southern, Cheesy, Chicken, Spaghetti, Casserole, Comfort Food
