There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole wafting through your kitchen, setting off a delightful dance of hunger pangs. Imagine a bubbling concoction of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy goodness, all nestled among perfectly cooked spaghetti. juicy cheesy burgers tender baked ranch chicken If that doesn’t make your taste buds tingle, I don’t know what will! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a cold day or the secret weapon for impressing guests at your next gathering. Trust me, once you whip this up, your family will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

My cousin once declared this casserole the “life-changing” meal during our annual family reunion. I still hear her dramatic gasp every time someone brings it up!

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for an ample serving, but adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

• Spaghetti Noodles: Choose regular or whole wheat spaghetti, depending on your preference for texture and nutrition.

• Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. Use full-fat for richness or low-fat if you want a lighter option.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for stronger flavor; it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

• Rotel Tomatoes: These add a zesty kick. Go for mild if you’re not into fiery heat!

• Green Bell Pepper: Diced finely for sweetness and crunch; feel free to substitute with other bell peppers if desired.

• Onion Powder: A great spice that enhances overall flavor without the hassle of chopping onions.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have in any savory dish; it brings depth and warmth to your casserole.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this according to how spicy you want to go! A little goes a long way.

• Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess; you can replace it with Greek yogurt for added protein.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; always taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from top to bottom.

Cook Your Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the boneless chicken breasts until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes per side. The aroma will be irresistible!

Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Rotel tomatoes (drained), green bell pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Add Cooked Spaghetti & Chicken : Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the sauce mixture along with cooked spaghetti noodles. Be gentle to keep those noodles intact.

Transfer to Baking Dish : Pour the cheesy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite gets that glorious cheesy goodness.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Let It Cool & Serve : Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, get ready for some serious culinary applause as everyone digs in!

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just another meal—it’s an experience waiting to happen! Perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks where you’ll be crowned as the culinary champion of comfort food! spicy chipotle chicken. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom chicken lasagna recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown, then boil the spaghetti while preparing your sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for ground turkey or add some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Personalizing this dish will make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.

Cooking this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole reminds me of family gatherings; my cousin once declared it his favorite dish, leaving me beaming with pride! comforting pasta dishes.

FAQ

What if I want to make it vegetarian?

Substituting chicken with mushrooms and adding more veggies works wonderfully.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it prior to baking for up to three months.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference; start mild and add heat gradually.

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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty flavors all in one hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your spice preferences. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti noodles
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté boneless chicken breasts in oil over medium heat until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side). Remove and let cool before shredding.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Rotel tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture.
5. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (~300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg