If you love dishes that bring together bold flavors, comforting textures, and a little kick of heat, you are going to adore this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This recipe marries tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti with vibrant bell peppers and a delightful blend of spices that deliver southern charm and a spicy twist. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or any time you need a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to achieving that classic, mouthwatering taste. Each component plays a key role — from the juicy chicken breasts that provide protein and heartiness, to the creamy soup and cheddar cheese that create a rich, cheesy base, and the spices that give it that signature spicy southern flair.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the flavors.
Spaghetti (8 oz): Cooking it al dente adds just the right texture to balance the creamy sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Use sharp for that bold cheesy punch that melts perfectly over the casserole.
Fresh bell peppers (1 cup, chopped): Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness against the spicy heat.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Paprika (1 tsp): Brings warmth and a mild smoky flavor enhancing the southern character.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp): Just enough to give a noticeable kick without overpowering.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses the casserole with a deep, savory undertone.
Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): A fresh, sharp garnish for a little bite and color contrast.

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare your oven and casserole dish

First things first — preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it’s warming up, gently grease your casserole dish to ensure that all the cheesy goodness doesn’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and serving a smooth slice with a perfect golden crust on top.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, cook your chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until they develop a lovely golden crust and are cooked through. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a wonderful texture that holds up well mixed with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Boil spaghetti to al dente perfection

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain it carefully and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 4: Combine all the flavorful ingredients

Take a big mixing bowl and shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix everything well so all the flavors blend and every bite promises a balanced taste of spicy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Step 5: Transfer to the casserole dish and top with cheese

Pour your flavorful mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating that irresistible golden cheesy layer that will melt and bubble during baking.

Step 6: Bake and rest before serving

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden brown. When it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes to set up and become easier to serve. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

A handful of sliced green onions or a few fresh parsley leaves elevate this casserole visually and taste-wise, offering a hint of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. For a classic southern touch, try some buttery cornbread or roasted asparagus—both add great texture and complement the spicy cheesy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family meal, serve this casserole alongside individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar and broiled for a minute or two for a personal cheesy crust. You can also add some sliced jalapeños on top for those who crave even more heat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together, making for a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps retain the crispy, melty cheese topping.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred and mix it in as you would with the freshly cooked chicken.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade alternative, mix together Greek yogurt or sour cream with chicken broth and a pinch of seasoning for a creamy, flavorful substitute.

How spicy is the casserole and can I adjust it?

The recipe has a gentle kick from cayenne pepper but is not overly spicy. Feel free to add more or reduce the cayenne according to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake it later?

You sure can! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing in individual portions?

Yes! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals on the go. Freeze and reheat as needed for a convenient and tasty dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food with a fun, spicy twist that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it’ll become a staple you’ll want to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves and dive into the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness that only this recipe can offer!

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of bold southern spices. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole combines creamy textures and a spicy kick, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Pasta

8 oz spaghetti

Cheese

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables

1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Other

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing 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 thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

For extra spice, add additional cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
To make this casserole lower in calories, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and chicken breast without skin.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

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