Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! This dish is a warm embrace on a plate, combining tender chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. I love how it takes the classic spaghetti casserole and gives it a lively southern twist with just the right amount of heat. Each bite is packed with flavor, thanks to the zesty diced tomatoes and a splash of hot sauce that brings everything to life. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, but still feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. Seriously, it’s comfort food at its finest, and perfect for family gatherings or a relaxed weeknight dinner!
Ingredients List
Gather up these simple yet essential ingredients for my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! Each one plays a vital role in creating that deliciously cozy flavor you’ll love.
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti – Make sure it’s al dente, so it holds its shape in the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – This melty goodness is key for that cheesy, comforting texture.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup – Adds creaminess and richness; it’s a must-have in casseroles!
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies – This gives the dish a nice kick and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce – Adjust it to your spice preference; I love a good kick!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth and flavor without the fuss of chopping onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just enough to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – For that fresh, zesty touch on top!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These give a delightful crunch when baked!
How to Prepare the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole step by step. Trust me, it’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding!
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important for even cooking, so don’t skip this step! Give it about 10-15 minutes to warm up while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix Ingredients
Grab a large bowl because we’re about to mix all those delicious ingredients together! Start by adding your cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and all those spices: hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s all combined and coated in that creamy goodness!
Step 3 – Transfer to Baking Dish
Now that everything is mixed, it’s time to transfer your hearty mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to grease it well so nothing sticks! Pour in the mixture and spread it out evenly.
Step 4 – Add Toppings
Let’s make it pretty! Sprinkle the chopped green onions and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This is where the crunch factor comes in! If you want that golden crust, make sure to cover everything well and maybe even drizzle a little olive oil over the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness!
Step 5 – Bake
It’s time to pop it in the oven! Bake your casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center is all warm and inviting. Oh, the smell will drive you wild!
Step 6 – Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes. This is key because it’ll help everything set up a bit before you dive in. Serve it warm, and get ready to enjoy a big, hearty slice of comfort food goodness!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dish from good to absolutely fabulous!
- Adjust the Heat: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of hot sauce! If you love a spicy kick, add a little extra, but if you prefer it milder, start with just a teaspoon and taste as you go!
- Add Bell Peppers: For an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color, consider tossing in some diced bell peppers—they bring a lovely sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix it up! Try using a blend of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
- Serve with a Side: Pair this dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to balance out the richness. A tangy vinaigrette can cut through the cheese and bring everything together!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! Please keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The provided values are estimates, so if you’re tracking your intake closely, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your own ingredients. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Just prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When you’re ready, just take it out, let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature, and then bake it as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be chilled, but it’s totally worth it for the convenience!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, there are a few options you can try! For a homemade version, you can mix equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up. Alternatively, for a lighter option, you can use a can of cream of mushroom soup or even a creamy Alfredo sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat in your spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole, there are several ways to do it! First, you can increase the amount of hot sauce—start with an extra teaspoon and taste as you go. You could also add some diced jalapeños or even crushed red pepper flakes for that extra punch! Another fun idea is to swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese, which will add a delightful heat along with its creamy texture. Just remember, it’s all about finding that perfect balance of spice that makes your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me share why my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is such a hit! It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about how easy and satisfying it is. Here’s why you’ll want to make this dish again and again:
Quick and Easy
This recipe is a breeze to whip up, taking only about 15 minutes of prep time! With just one big bowl for mixing and a baking dish, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests pop by. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this delicious meal on the table!
Hearty and Filling
Oh, this casserole is so satisfying! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and is loaded with cheesy goodness, making it a filling option that’ll keep everyone happy. One slice will warm you up and fill you up, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s comfort food done right!
Great for Leftovers
If there are any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), they taste even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, and reheating it is a breeze. Just pop it in the microwave or oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Trust me, the leftovers make for a satisfying lunch or dinner the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from my spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! If you happen to have any left (it’s rare, but it can happen!), here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal.
First, let the casserole cool completely before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those comforting flavors all week long!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish if it’s not already. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to get that crunchy topping back, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking! You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot and bubbly.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be ready to dive back into that cheesy, spicy goodness anytime you want! Enjoy every last bite!
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and hearty casserole with a spicy southern twist, combining chicken, cheese, and spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, chicken, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with chopped green onions and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole