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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with melted cheese and green onions served on white plate

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with Southern spices, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 to 4 breasts
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 cup fresh bell peppers chopped
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 cup green onions sliced for garnish
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.
  3. While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese, covering the entire surface.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and shows light golden spots around edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.

Notes

Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5 to 10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For freezing, wrap tightly and thaw overnight (8 to 10 hours) before baking. For a milder version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.