thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the heart and soul of southern comfort food, it has to be thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. With golden, gooey cheese, juicy chicken, and a whisper of spicy warmth, this casserole has been my go-to whenever I crave pure cozy contentment. Every hearty forkful delivers layers of flavor and a cheerful pop of color from sweet bell peppers—all coming together in a truly irresistible, crowd-pleasing bake. If you love a classic, kicked-up casserole that brings folks running to the table, this one is for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole lies in its handful of staple ingredients: simple, bright, bold essentials that are easy to find and even easier to love. Each item plays an important role in delivering flavor and that signature, creamy southern texture reminiscent of home-cooked family suppers.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (3-4): These create the satisfying, meaty base—be sure to trim and cook until perfectly juicy for the best texture.
• Spaghetti (8 oz): The perfect pasta shape for soaking up cheesy sauce and binding the casserole together; break in half before boiling for easier serving.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): That rich, tangy flavor and irresistible melt gives the dish its iconic gooey, bubbly gold top.
• Bell Peppers, Fresh & Chopped (1 cup): Sweet, mild crunch adds a beautiful burst of color and a garden-fresh lift.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The shortcut to irresistible silkiness and classic southern casserole consistency.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Essential for a gorgeous color and subtle smoky note running through every bite.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a cheeky kick—adjust to taste for more (or less!) southern spice.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Boosts everything with rich, mellow depth without overpowering the rest.
• Green Onions, Sliced (1/4 cup): Don’t skip this final finishing touch—their gentle zip makes all the flavors pop when served.

How to Make thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee an even bake and golden cheese finish. Give your favorite casserole dish a light coating of oil or butter—this ensures easy serving and beautiful presentation when the casserole is done.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Set a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for roughly 6-7 minutes per side. You want a golden, crisp outside with tender, fully cooked meat inside. Once done, let the chicken cool slightly, then shred using two forks or your fingers, which adds fantastic texture to the casserole.

Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti

While your chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s just al dente. Drain well and set aside—you don’t want soggy noodles here, just strands with a slight bite.

Step 4: Mix Up the Casserole Base

In a big mixing bowl, toss together your shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti. Add the chopped bell peppers, cream of chicken soup, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a big spoon (or your clean hands!) to make sure everything gets cozy and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Scoop the mixture into your greased casserole dish, smoothing the surface before sprinkling with the rest of the sharp cheddar. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and impossible to resist.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish

As tempting as it is to dive in right away, let your thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for about 5 minutes once it comes out of the oven. This helps everything set and makes slicing a breeze. Shower with sliced green onions for a fresh, peppery finish.

How to Serve thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

A generous scatter of green onions after baking brings a burst of color and sharp freshness. For even more wow, sprinkle with extra paprika or a pinch of chili flakes for those who crave added heat. A swipe of fresh parsley or cilantro can also add a herby flourish.

Side Dishes

Pair thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with buttery cornbread, a zippy green salad, or roasted veggies for a true southern spread. Even a crisp coleslaw can help cut through the richness and balance the gentle heat, making every bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style comfort, serve straight from the casserole dish and let everyone dig in. Hosting a big group? Spoon portions into colorful ramekins for cute, individual servings. Or, transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or wrap them in tortillas for a lunchtime twist that’ll have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stays perfectly moist and flavorful! Cool completely, then transfer slices to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a few green onions just before serving to revive that fresh taste.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2 months without losing flavor. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat casserole slices in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep them extra moist, or use the microwave for a speedy lunch. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating and top with a sprinkle of cheese or green onions to refresh that signature flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and actually infuses a bit more flavor. Just shred it, skip the cooking step, and proceed with the recipe.

Is there a way to make this casserole less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely for a milder take without sacrificing any of the southern charm or creaminess. You can even swap in smoked paprika for added warmth with less heat.

What other kinds of cheese work well in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for more spice!), or a blend for extra gooey goodness. Avoid moist fresh cheeses, as they can make the casserole runny.

Can I make thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything (except for the green onion garnish) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It isn’t naturally gluten-free, but you can easily swap in gluten-free spaghetti and a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup for all the comfort, minus the gluten.

Final Thoughts

Few things beat sharing a bubbling dish of thern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with those you love. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight treat, it’s the kind of meal that simply makes people happy. So gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!

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