Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a casserole that delivers a luscious blend of creamy cheese, juicy chicken, and a lively pop of heat, Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This one-dish wonder captures that Southern spirit—generous, cozy, and irresistibly bold, with every forkful packed full of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it’s a dish guaranteed to get people talking and coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but essential ingredients that make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole a knockout. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s gooey cheddar for richness or aromatic spices for that unforgettable zing. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The backbone of the casserole, offering protein and tender, juicy bites in every serving.
• Spaghetti: Traditional pasta adds that classic comfort texture, soaking up all the creamy sauce while holding the casserole together.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings tangy, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully throughout the dish and on top.
• Fresh Bell Peppers (chopped): Bright pops of color and a touch of sweetness with every bite, not to mention extra crunch!
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy base that binds everything together, lending smoothness and savory depth to the casserole.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertones and a hint of vibrant red color—an absolute must for Southern-inspired casseroles.
• Cayenne Pepper: The heat-maker that gives this casserole its signature Southern “kick.” Adjust to make it as spicy as you like!
• Garlic Powder: Delivers savory aroma and mellow, garlicky notes without overpowering the main flavors.

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Casserole Dish

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease up a large casserole dish; it helps prevent sticking and guarantees every cheesy bit lifts out cleanly when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, cook your boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they’re beautifully golden on each side, about 6-7 minutes per side. This step ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful—ideal for shredding later.

Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti

While your chicken sizzles, fill another pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—roughly 8-10 minutes. Drain it well; soggy pasta is the enemy of a great casserole!

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Once your chicken is cooked, give it a quick shred with two forks and scoop it into a big mixing bowl. In goes the cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of your glorious cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in that spiced, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour the whole mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top—don’t be shy! This is where that Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gets its gorgeous golden crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly, golden, and calling your name. Let it cool a few minutes before serving, so all those flavors set just right.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

For a pop of freshness and color, finish your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A dash of extra paprika over the top immediately before serving also adds a lovely touch!

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Buttery Texas toast or warm cornbread also make wonderful Southern accompaniments that everyone will reach for.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole family-style straight from the dish, or portion it out into individual ramekins for a playful, dinner-party-worthy twist. For game day gatherings, cut it into squares and serve on a platter for easy, cheesy finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a lunchbox hero or easy weeknight repeat.

Freezing

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal! Once baked and cooled, wrap your casserole dish well with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For single servings, microwaving works well too—just cover to trap that moisture and heat in 1-2 minute increments.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut—just shred or chop and add it in place of cooked chicken breast. It saves time without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I make it milder?

Thanks to cayenne pepper, it does have a bit of Southern kick! If you’re sensitive to spice or serving little ones, reduce the cayenne or skip it altogether. Add more if you’re a heat lover!

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the go-to for that classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want to amp up the spice and meltiness.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even spinach with the bell peppers. This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is super flexible and welcomes your favorite veggies.

Is it possible to assemble the casserole in advance?

It’s a perfect make-ahead meal! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that feel-good, crowd-pleasing meal with a zesty twist, don’t wait another night to whip up Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Sharing it with family and friends is half the fun—so dig in, savor the creamy warmth, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!

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