Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of Southern comfort baked into one dish. Each bite is creamy full of melty cheese and just enough heat to warm you up. When my neighbors get a whiff of it baking I always end up sharing a second helping at their request

One fall evening my friend sampled this casserole straight from the oven and immediately asked for the recipe to take home for her family. Since then it’s been my go-to for easy gatherings when I need comfort food everyone will crave

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: for lean hearty protein choose fresh or thawed for the juiciest result
• Spaghetti: gives a tender bite try bronze-cut brands that hold the sauce well
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: brings a rich melt opt for a block you shred yourself for best texture
• Fresh bell peppers: add color and crunch vibrant red or green ones work well
• Cream of chicken soup: brings the creamy background use low-sodium for a lighter option
• Paprika: delivers earthiness try smoked paprika for even more depth
• Cayenne pepper: supplies a spicy punch adjust up or down to your family’s taste
• Garlic powder: infuses savory flavor make sure it’s fresh no clumps for best blend
• Green onions: for fresh finish slice just before serving so they stay crisp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large casserole dish well so nothing sticks

Cook the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts in a hot skillet over medium heat and cook for six to seven minutes per side until golden on the outside and cooked through inside let rest before shredding for juicier pieces

Boil the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil cook your spaghetti for eight to ten minutes until just al dente drain and lightly toss with oil to prevent sticking

Combine the Mix:

In a big bowl add shredded chicken cooked spaghetti cream of chicken soup chopped bell peppers spices and half of the cheddar cheese stir vigorously until everything is coated with cheese and seasoning

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish scatter the rest of the cheese over top bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown at the edges

Rest and Garnish:

Let the casserole sit for five minutes to settle sprinkle generously with green onions before slicing and serving

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I absolutely love the sharp cheddar in this recipe. As a kid I remember my grandmother letting me shred the cheese by hand always insisting it melted better that way. To this day I never buy pre-shredded for casseroles and the results speak for themselves

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This casserole freezes beautifully so just cool it completely wrap with foil and tuck into the freezer for up to three months. To reheat thaw in the fridge overnight and cover with foil to gently warm in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken or turkey works perfectly here if you are short on time. You can swap cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken or use Monterey Jack in place of cheddar for a slightly milder flavor. If you like things extra spicy add chopped pickled jalapenos into the mix

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole holds its own as a main dish but I love pairing it with a cool crunchy slaw or a simple green salad for balance. For a true Southern touch serve with a side of garlicky green beans or cornbread

Cultural Context

Southern casseroles like this one were born out of a need to stretch leftovers and make dinner easy for a crowd. Over the years families put their own spin on them using whatever cheese meat or noodles they had on hand. This spicy cheesy version carries forward that spirit of comfort and creativity

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this dish 'Southern'?

Classic Southern flavors shine through sharp cheddar cheese, bell peppers, creamy soup, and a touch of spice, delivering bold comfort in every bite.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for even quicker assembly and adds extra flavor to the final bake.

→ How spicy is this casserole?

The dish has a moderate kick from cayenne and paprika, but you can easily adjust spice levels to your taste by using more or less seasoning.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Fresh salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables complement the rich, cheesy pasta and help round out your meal.

→ Can the casserole be made ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Leftovers also reheat beautifully for future meals.