If you’re craving a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little kick to your dinner table, look no further than this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This recipe is a delightful harmony of tender chicken, melted sharp cheddar, and a blend of southern spices that create a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying experience in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s an irresistible casserole that combines simple ingredients in a way that tastes anything but ordinary.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the hearty chicken to the vibrant bell peppers and sharp cheddar, these elements come together to build layers of taste that make the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole so memorable.

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein base that soaks up the spices beautifully.
8 oz spaghetti: The pasta backbone that holds everything together with just the right chew.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, melty cheesiness that’s the soul of this casserole.
1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped): Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creamy binder adding moisture and that classic comfort food vibe.
1 tsp paprika: Brings mild smoky warmth that underscores the southern flair.
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: The secret little kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
1/4 cup green onions (sliced): Bright and fresh garnish, perfect for a final flavor pop.

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepping for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large casserole dish. This simple step ensures a perfectly cooked casserole that won’t stick and will develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Place your boneless chicken breasts in a large pot over medium heat. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. This method locks in juices and provides a great base for the smoky spices to shine.

Step 3: Perfect Pasta Prep

While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti until al dente, which typically takes 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to mingle with the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, shred your cooked chicken and combine it with cooked spaghetti, the cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together gently until the mixture is perfectly blended and bursting with color and flavor.

Step 5: Into the Oven

Transfer your mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese on top to create that luscious cheesy crust. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This pause helps everything set up nicely. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crisp contrast that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

Aside from the green onions, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add an extra layer of creaminess or herbal freshness. These little touches make the presentation pop and invite an extra punch of flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed veggies, or even a side of cornbread if you’re really embracing that Southern theme. The freshness of the sides complements the richness of the cheesy, spicy casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve portions of the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It makes for an impressive presentation, especially when entertaining friends, and everyone gets their own cheesy, spicy masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your delicious casserole has cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner with minimal effort.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole later, you can freeze it before baking. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave for a quicker fix without losing any of the cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken will save time and add a bit of extra flavor. Just shred the cooked chicken and incorporate it as directed for an easy shortcut.

How spicy is this casserole really?

The spice level is moderate — the cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the flavors. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your heat preference, from mild to more fiery.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade touch or have specific dietary needs, you can replace canned soup with a simple béchamel sauce or a homemade chicken cream sauce to maintain that creamy texture.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weekdays or planning ahead for family meals.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some corn, chopped tomatoes, or even jalapeños for a fresh twist. Just be mindful of how added ingredients might affect baking time and moisture levels.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole enough — it’s truly the ultimate comfort food with a spicy Southern charm. Every creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy forkful feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes!

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, spicy seasonings, creamy soup, and melty sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and baked to bubbly golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz spaghetti

Cheese and Vegetables

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Seasonings and Sauce

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.

Notes

You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of milk or cream with the soup mixture.
Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking, stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6th casserole)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, spicy chicken spaghetti, cheesy casserole, southern comfort food, baked pasta dish