thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re ready for a taste of pure Southern comfort with a fiery twist, this thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole might just become your new weeknight hero. Imagine a golden, bubbling bake loaded with juicy chicken, sharp cheddar, tender spaghetti, and pops of fresh peppers — all irresistibly tied together by a creamy, subtly spicy sauce. This beloved casserole has everything you crave in a comforting supper: bold flavors, a glorious cheese pull, and just the right kick to keep everyone at the table craving seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole lies in the way staple Southern ingredients come together, with each one lending its own special note to the finished dish. Every ingredient serves a purpose, ensuring gooey, hearty, flavor-packed results — don’t skip a single one!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The juicy heart of your casserole; be sure to cook until golden for the best flavor and texture.
• Spaghetti: Use regular spaghetti — cooked al dente so it stays firm and soaks up all the creamy, cheesy sauce without becoming mushy.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The bold bite of sharp cheddar brings a Southern classic taste and the essential melty cheese layer.
• Fresh bell peppers (chopped): Red, yellow, or green peppers add color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that beautifully balances the spice.
• Cream of chicken soup: This is the base that makes your sauce silky-smooth, creamy, and so comforting.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and brings a rich red hue for eye-catching appeal.
• Cayenne pepper: Don’t be shy — this is your source for just the right spicy kick.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory flavor, rounding out every cheesy, chickeny bite.
• Green onions (sliced): Sprinkle on top for freshness and a faint oniony zing — the perfect finish.

How to Make thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Casserole Dish

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Go ahead and grease your favorite large casserole dish — this step isn’t just about preventing sticking, it helps with even browning and easier serving later on. Set it aside for the delicious layers to come!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pot over medium and add your chicken breasts. Give them about 6-7 minutes per side; you’re looking for a gorgeous golden color and full doneness. Once cooked, let them rest briefly, then shred the meat with two forks — this helps the chicken hold more of the creamy sauce in every piece.

Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti

In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until perfectly al dente — usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly to prevent watering down your casserole, and set aside while you prep your mix.

Step 4: Mix Up the Casserole

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated and temptingly colorful.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your casserole mixture into the greased dish, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese — more cheese means a richer, prettier top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just turning golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once your thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes (the hardest step!). This lets the cheese set a bit and makes for cleaner slices. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and flecks of freshness before serving.

How to Serve thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

For a classic Southern touch, garnishing is everything. Bright green onions are the obvious pick, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a little extra paprika can add a dash of color and complexity. Serve the casserole straight from the dish, with plenty of melted cheese and those crunchy-tender peppers on display.

Side Dishes

thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is plenty hearty, but it loves some simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or classic Southern-style green beans. Even a scoop of creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables could round out the meal for a true comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

While this casserole shines family-style, you can easily dress it up for company by baking it in individual ramekins for personal portions. Or, for potlucks, serve it in muffin tins for “mini-casseroles” that are easy to grab and go. No matter how you present it, watch your friends and family light up at the first steamy, cheesy forkful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is how beautifully it keeps. Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it stays delicious for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for decadent seconds.

Freezing

This casserole is incredibly freezer-friendly. Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. you’re ready to feast, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake as usual, adding a few minutes to the time as needed to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the portion you plan to eat with a little foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For quick lunches, you can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe dish; just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep everything creamy.

FAQs

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

Absolutely — using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just shred or chop the meat and substitute it directly in the recipe. It adds an extra layer of flavor and can drastically cut down on prep time for your thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a subtle flavor change. If you prefer to skip canned soups altogether, a homemade white sauce thickened with flour and chicken broth works perfectly as a creamy base.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s got a warming kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it isn’t overwhelming. If you’re serving folks who like things milder, just use a little less cayenne — or, if you crave even more heat, sprinkle in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce!

Can I make thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the swap is simple.

What other cheeses could I use?

Sharp cheddar gives this casserole its classic Southern vibe, but feel free to play around with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for extra melty goodness. Blending in a bit of cream cheese makes the sauce even more luscious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a straight-up, crowd-pleasing comfort casserole, thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try. The blend of cozy flavors, easy prep, and gooey cheese just begs to be shared — so go ahead, gather your loved ones and dive in. You might just find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Print