Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a medley of southern spices that just dance on your taste buds. The creaminess from the cheese and soup creates this dreamy texture that you can’t help but love. It’s so simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the delightful flavors and the way it warms your soul. Get ready to savor every cheesy, spicy forkful!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown top. So, don’t skip this part—just set it to heat while you prep everything else!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, grab a skillet and heat up your tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped bell peppers and onions. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen—it’s a sign that deliciousness is on the way!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mix all the magic together! Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and all the spices. I can’t stress enough how important it is to mix everything thoroughly! You want that cheesy goodness to coat every single strand of spaghetti and piece of chicken.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, take your well-mixed concoction and transfer it to a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. To finish it off, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top—this will create that irresistible cheesy crust we all love!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden. That’s your cue to dig in and enjoy a hearty slice of spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with bold, southern flavors that make every bite a taste sensation!
- Cheesy, creamy goodness that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- One dish means less cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and simply reheat for a quick dinner.
- Customizable! Adjust the spice level or toss in your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Spice Level: If you love a real kick, don’t hold back on those spices! You can add more paprika or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the flip side, if you prefer it milder, just dial down the spices a bit.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix things up! A blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack can add a fantastic creaminess and extra flavor. Just imagine that melty goodness!
- Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and still gives you that tender, juicy chicken flavor.
- Veggie Add-Ins: This casserole is super versatile! Toss in some zucchini, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the bell peppers and onions.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Trust me, dipping that bread into the cheesy sauce is heavenly!
- Make-Ahead Magic: If you want to prep ahead, assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Pop it in the fridge overnight and just bake it when you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy days!
With these tips, you’ll have a casserole that’s not just good but absolutely *fantastic*. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
When you’re diving into a plate of my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole, it’s good to know what you’re getting, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on typical ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands or variations of ingredients you choose. But whatever the numbers say, every bite is packed with comfort and flavor that makes it all worthwhile!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While I love using cheddar for that classic flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a richer texture. Just think about how melty and delicious it will be!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It makes life so much easier on busy days!
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. The goal is to keep that creamy goodness, so use what you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to add in veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even corn. Just sauté them with the bell peppers and onions for an even tastier dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole leftovers? Lucky you! To keep it tasting just as amazing, here’s how to store it properly:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to lock in that cheesy goodness!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. Trust me, nothing beats a cozy meal ready to go!
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers:
- Reheating in the Oven: For the best flavor and texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly.
- Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual portions. Just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s warmed all the way through. Add a splash of water if it looks a bit dry—this helps keep the texture nice!
With these tips, your leftovers will be just as delicious as the first time around. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite again!
Imprimer
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Delight
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A flavorful and cheesy dish combining chicken, spaghetti, and southern spices.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté bell peppers and onion until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, chicken, cooked vegetables, cheese, soup, tomatoes, and spices.
- Mix well and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust spices to your heat preference.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole
