Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken

This spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole combines creamy textures with zesty flavors for a comforting dish that satisfies both adults and children alike. The balance of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and melted cheese creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I first made this casserole when hosting my in laws for dinner last winter. The dish disappeared so quickly that I barely managed to save a small portion for myself before it was completely devoured. Now it's my go to recipe whenever we have guests over.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb all the wonderful flavors in the dish. Look for fresh chicken that feels firm to the touch.
• Spaghetti creates the hearty base. Choose regular thickness for the best texture as thin spaghetti can become mushy.
• Sharp cheddar cheese adds that irresistible golden crust and rich flavor. Freshly grated melts much better than pre packaged shredded cheese.
• Fresh bell peppers contribute a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast. Red and orange varieties add the most visual appeal.
• Cream of chicken soup creates that signature southern creaminess without complicated sauce making. Low sodium versions work well too.
• Paprika brings mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the dish. Hungarian paprika offers the most robust flavor.
• Cayenne pepper delivers the signature southern heat. Start with less if serving to spice sensitive guests.
• Garlic powder infuses savory notes throughout the casserole. Fresh garlic can be substituted but may burn during the long bake.
• Green onions add a fresh finish and bright color contrast. Choose ones with firm green tops for the best presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a 9x13 inch dish for optimal thickness and even cooking throughout the casserole.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding to the pot. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. The caramelization adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water add a tablespoon of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente usually 8 to 10 minutes depending on brand. Test by biting into a strand it should have slight resistance but no crunch. Drain thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.

Combine Ingredients

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add drained spaghetti cream of chicken soup chopped bell peppers all the spices and half the shredded cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly until every strand of pasta is coated with the creamy mixture.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the well mixed ingredients to your prepared casserole dish spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese in an even layer across the top creating a delicious cheese crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese has turned a beautiful golden brown.

Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step helps the sauce thicken and flavors to settle. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top just before serving for a bright fresh finish.

Bookmark

The cayenne pepper is truly the heart and soul of this dish. I discovered its importance when I accidentally doubled the amount called for in the recipe once. Rather than ruining the dish it transformed it into something extraordinary that my family now requests specifically. The heat builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once creating a wonderful dining experience.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and planning. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature then bake as directed adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually develop and improve with time making this an ideal dish to prepare in advance for gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

Once cooled this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into individual servings using freezer safe containers for quick grab and go meals. To reheat thaw overnight in the refrigerator then warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes stirring halfway through. The texture remains remarkably consistent even after freezing unlike many pasta dishes that can become mushy.

Variations to Try

Transform this classic into different flavor profiles with simple swaps. For a Tex Mex version add a can of drained Rotel tomatoes and substitute pepper jack for the cheddar. Create an Italian inspired dish by using Italian seasoning instead of cayenne and adding sliced black olives and diced tomatoes. For a lighter version substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream soup and use whole wheat pasta. The versatility of this base recipe makes it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple green sides that balance its richness. A crisp garden salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast while steamed broccoli or green beans provide nutritional balance. For a complete southern meal serve alongside sweet cornbread and honey butter. When entertaining place the casserole at the center of the table family style with small bowls of extra toppings like diced avocado sour cream or additional hot sauce for guests to customize their portions.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, add about 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months - just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

For a homemade alternative, whisk together 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup of chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Add 1/4 cup of milk or cream and season with salt and pepper. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for different flavor profiles.

→ How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat level?

With 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, this casserole has a moderate kick. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it completely. To increase the heat, add up to 1 teaspoon of cayenne or incorporate diced jalapeños into your bell pepper mix.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken meat and incorporate it into the casserole mixture. This will reduce your prep time significantly while maintaining all the delicious flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli or green beans, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, serve with collard greens or black-eyed peas.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or egg noodles all work nicely. Just cook them to al dente according to package directions before incorporating into the casserole.