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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy comfort, and just the right amount of kick, the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is here to deliver. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious blend of soups and spices, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese and a touch of heat from green chilies and cayenne. It’s a one-dish wonder that feels like a warm hug from the South, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Get ready to add this vibrant, satisfying casserole to your go-to recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a combination of simple but essential ingredients that create harmony in every bite. From tender chicken to creamy soups, and the colorful crunch of bell peppers and onions, each element adds its own layer of taste, texture, or color, making the final dish truly unforgettable.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): The hearty protein base that keeps this dish rich and satisfying.
- Spaghetti (12 oz, cooked and drained): Perfectly al dente pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds depth and creaminess with earthiness that complements the chicken.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Enhances the overall richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Brings a spicy tang and vibrant color right into the mix.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to a golden crown of gooey goodness that’s irresistible.
- Chopped bell peppers (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet crunch and pop of red or green brightness.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings savory personality and slight sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the layers of flavor with gentle earthiness.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds smoky depth and beautiful reddish hue.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides that spicy Southern kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all ingredients into balance.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Used to sauté vegetables, imparting richness and softness.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray is a small step that makes a big difference, ensuring your casserole slides out easily once it’s all baked to bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet and toss in your chopped onions and bell peppers. Sautéing them for about 5 minutes softens their bite and intensifies their sweetness, creating a flavorful base that blends seamlessly with the chicken and sauces.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken and Sauces
In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to marry those bold Southern flavors in one creamy, spicy filling.
Step 4: Incorporate the Spaghetti
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into your mixture. The goal here is to coat each strand evenly without breaking the noodles, ensuring every bite is packed with that comforting sauce and savory chicken goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This final layer promises a golden, cheesy crust that will make you eager to dig in as soon as it’s done.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to bubble with golden spots that hint at the creamy, spicy magic going on underneath. The aromas alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen!
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to set up before serving. This pause helps all those layers come together nicely, making it easier to scoop and enjoy without losing any of that delicious cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and fresh brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can also elevate the flavors and cool down the heat just slightly for those who want a milder touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a main dish but pairs wonderfully with simple Southern classics like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. These sides provide a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy, spicy texture of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or potlucks, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins sprinkled with a bit of extra cheese and broiled briefly for a personal, gourmet touch. Alternatively, placing it on a rustic wooden board with some crusty bread invites a casual, hearty Southern feast vibe that feels warm and welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps its flavors beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners without losing its charm.
Freezing
This recipe freezes remarkably well. Either freeze the assembled casserole before baking or the baked leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works great too—cover the dish to hold in moisture and heat in short intervals for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works wonderfully in the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, saving you prep time without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is this casserole?
The dish has a gentle to moderate heat, thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne amount to make it milder or hotter depending on your family’s spice tolerance.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute homemade creamy sauces or use a combination of cream cheese and broth to maintain the texture and moisture, but the soups do add a classic Southern comfort flavor that’s hard to beat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap out regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety, and check that all canned ingredients are gluten-free. This lets you enjoy the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe without worry.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based chicken substitutes, and use vegetable broth-based soups to keep it cozy and flavorful for vegetarian eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a casserole that combines texture, flavor, and a little Southern spice in one dish, and this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe delivers all that and more. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to bring smiles around the family table, it’s one you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
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Print
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy soups, and a blend of spices including cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Coated in a cheesy sauce and baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a perfect hearty meal for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- Non-stick cooking spray
Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes, which will soften the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all components are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Add Spaghetti: Gently fold in the cooked and drained spaghetti to the chicken and sauce mixture to ensure the pasta is evenly coated without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a flavorful cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown, indicating the casserole is hot and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to set before serving. This makes it easier to portion and enhances flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with homemade white sauce for a fresher version.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity depending on your spice tolerance.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
