Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food classic that brings family and friends together. This dish strikes a perfect balance between creamy cheese and a little kick of spice.

It is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it both economical and satisfying.

Lucy C. Frakes

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish – creamy, cheesy, and with just the right touch of spice. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that turns simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• ▢ 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• ▢ 8 oz spaghetti
• ▢ 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• ▢ 1 cup chopped fresh bell peppers
• ▢ 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ▢ 1 tsp paprika
• ▢ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• ▢ salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

• ▢
  large pot
• ▢
  casserole dish
• ▢
  mixing bowl
• ▢
  Wooden spoon or spatula
• ▢
  oven

Method

 

1. ▢
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. ▢
   Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Shred or chop once cooled.
3. ▢
   Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. ▢
   In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese.
5. ▢
   Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. ▢
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. ▢
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad. To make it creamier, add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking. Adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for longer storage — just reheat until hot and bubbly.

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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)

Step by Step:

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

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner.

How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or place it back in the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• For extra flavor, add some cooked beef bacon or sausage to the mixture.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
• If you like a more creamy texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mix.

Variation

You can easily customize this casserole. Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn for added nutrition.

Craving more cheesy chicken goodness? Don’t miss my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps — they’re quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or easy lunches. If you loved this casserole, you’ll definitely want to give these wraps a try. 👉 Check out the recipe here!

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