What makes Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole "Southern" and "spicy"?

"Southern" typically refers to the use of cream of mushroom or chicken soup, Velveeta or cheddar cheese, and often a bell pepper and onion base. The "spicy" element is achieved through ingredients like jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy diced tomatoes.

What kind of cheese is best for a creamy, spicy chicken spaghetti casserole?

For maximum creaminess and a classic Southern texture, Velveeta cheese is often preferred. Sharp cheddar or a blend of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack can also be used to add flavor and melt beautifully, especially if you prefer a less processed option.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice the chicken and incorporate it into your recipe as you would cooked chicken breast or thighs, making sure to remove any skin and bones.

How do I adjust the spice level in a Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

To adjust spice, start with a smaller amount of jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce and taste as you go. For more heat, add extra peppers (including seeds for more intensity), a dash more hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less spice, omit the fresh peppers or use milder ones, and reduce cayenne.

What sides pair well with Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette, steamed green beans, corn on the cob, or crusty garlic bread are excellent choices to complement its savory, spicy profile.

How long does Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole can be safely refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to the fridge.

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Easy Cheesy Comfort Food 2025

Name: Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Optional garnish: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stays perfectly al dente, with every bite offering a creamy, spicy sauce clinging to the noodles. It is the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside, a true celebration of Southern comfort food with just the right amount of kick.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente. Drain well.
Sauté the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. To the skillet, add the cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, chicken broth, and cubed Velveeta. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream, shredded chicken, the cooked and drained spaghetti, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix until every noodle is coated in that delicious, creamy, and spicy sauce.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden in spots.
Rest and Serve: Let the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

Smart Substitutions: Pasta: Any similar long pasta like linguine or thin spaghetti works well. Chicken: This is one of the best chicken dishes recipes for using up leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Cheese: If you do not have Velveeta, you can substitute with 4 ounces of cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese in place of the cheddar. Soup: Cream of mushroom or celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken. Heat Level: For a milder Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, use mild Rotel. For more heat, use the hot variety or add an extra pinch of cayenne.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 485
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 32g

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/spicy-southern-chicken-spaghetti-casserole/