SPICY SOUTHERN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE IRRESISTIBLE

Growing up, my grandmother’s spicy southern chicken spaghetti casserole was the stuff of legends. The way the tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and bold, zesty flavors all came together in one comforting dish was simply irresistible. I can still smell the aroma wafting through the house, beckoning me to the table. This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a recipe I’m thrilled to share, as it’s sure to become a new family favorite in your home too.

Unlock the Secrets to Mouthwatering Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Making an authentic, flavor-packed Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole takes a bit of technique, but I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be whipping up this comforting casserole like a pro in no time. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand: For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente according to package instructions
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Casserole:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Make sure you have all these ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process. This will help everything come together smoothly.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts all over with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. This extra step of searing the chicken first helps lock in the juices and infuses it with tons of flavor.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, sauté the onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Transfer the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set up nicely.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can certainly serve it with some tasty sides to round out the dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: To soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus: For a pop of color and extra veggies.
• A Fresh Green Salad: To balance out the richness of the casserole.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides. This casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with all sorts of complementary dishes.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Use a combination of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to achieve the perfect level of heat. Adjust the amounts to suit your spice preference.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti – you want it to be al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.
• Shredding the chicken instead of dicing it creates a more cohesive texture throughout the dish.
• Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set up nicely.

With these simple tips, you’ll be whipping up the most mouthwatering Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole your family has ever tasted. Get ready for the rave reviews!