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To make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked spaghetti - 1 lb shredded cooked chicken - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional) You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. For the chicken, use turkey or a plant-based option. If you want less spice, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also use cream cheese instead of sour cream for a richer taste. If you don't have bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms work well too. When you pick vegetables, look for bright colors and firm textures. For bell peppers, choose ones that feel heavy for their size. For tomatoes, pick ones that smell sweet. Fresh corn should have shiny, green husks. If you buy chicken, make sure it feels cold and smells fresh. These tips help you get the best flavors for your casserole. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You want everything ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole bake evenly. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them until soft, about five minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step builds great flavor. In a big mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with shredded chicken. Then, mix in the cooked spaghetti, corn, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and sour cream. Add the spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s well mixed. Next, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake it for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. This makes the casserole look inviting and delicious. Once it's done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle. You can serve it hot right from the baking dish. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. This adds color and freshness. Pair your casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Enjoy your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! To make your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole shine, focus on fresh herbs. I love adding fresh cilantro just before serving. It gives a bright taste. You can also try using fresh basil or parsley. These herbs bring a new dimension to the dish. Smoked paprika is a must! It adds a deep flavor that pairs well with chicken. If you want to boost the taste, consider adding a bit of lemon juice for acidity. This small touch can make a big difference. Not everyone enjoys the same heat. If you want a milder dish, cut back on the cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch and taste as you mix. You can always add more if you like it spicy. For those who love the heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Remember, balance is key. You want the spice to enhance, not overpower, the other flavors. Using cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. If you can, roast or grill your chicken for extra flavor. Shredding the chicken allows it to mix well with the other ingredients. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it fully before adding it to the casserole. Ensure it’s juicy and tender. You can poach or bake it for the best results. Always let your chicken rest before shredding. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also balance the heat with a dollop of sour cream when serving. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for added flavor or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the dish. Add More Veggies: Feel free to boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onion and peppers for a delicious twist. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for 1 pound of cooked lentils or chickpeas. These options add protein and a hearty texture. To make it vegan, replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it rich and flavorful. Feel free to play with spices to change the flavor. Instead of smoked paprika, try regular paprika or chili powder for a different taste. You can also add cumin for a warm, earthy flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. If you like a bit of sweetness, consider adding a pinch of sugar or some diced jalapeños for a kick. Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Consider mixing in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These add color and texture while keeping the dish healthy. You can also use roasted vegetables for an added depth of flavor. Just remember to sauté them first so they blend well into the casserole. To keep your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. Let the casserole cool down before sealing it. If you have leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. In the fridge, your casserole will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, make sure to label it with the date. When stored properly, it will taste best when used within 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like changes in color or smell, before eating. Yes, you can use leftover chicken! It adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients. This is a perfect way to use up any rotisserie chicken or extra grilled chicken you have on hand. Remember, the more flavor in your chicken, the better your casserole will taste! To make this dish gluten-free, swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available now. Look for varieties made from rice, quinoa, or corn. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the spicy goodness of this casserole! This casserole is filling on its own. But some sides complement it nicely. A simple green salad brings freshness to the meal. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor. You could also serve it with some steamed veggies. These sides balance the flavors and textures. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time! Prepare it and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can bake it the next day. If you want to freeze it, do that before baking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and convenient! This blog post covered all key ingredients and steps to create a tasty dish. We also explored flavor tips, variations, and storage methods. You now have the tools to adapt this recipe to your taste. Cooking is fun and creative! Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or spices. Make it your own and share it with friends. Enjoy cooking and the delightful meal you'll create!

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A flavorful and spicy casserole combining chicken, spaghetti, and vegetables, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked spaghetti
  • 1 lb shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 2 cup sour cream
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and bell peppers in a little olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve hot directly from the baking dish, or portion into individual plates. A side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Keyword casserole, chicken, spaghetti, spicy