Name: Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 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)

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Why Make This Recipe

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a perfect dish for anyone who loves comforting food with a kick. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients

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)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s also great on its own, as the flavors are rich and satisfying. Garnishing with fresh green onions adds a nice touch of freshness.

How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños.
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Variation

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with cooked beans or tofu. Use vegetable broth and a cream of mushroom soup instead of the cream of chicken soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen, but allow for extra time.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you enjoy. Just ensure it melts well.

How can I make it less spicy?
To reduce the spice, you can cut back on the cayenne pepper or omit it completely. You can also use mild cheese instead of sharp cheddar.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole