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Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole with bold Southern flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of heat, perfect for a chilly evening.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Optional: sliced jalapenos for extra heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil or use a rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid if boiled.
  2. Cook spaghetti in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions, then drain and toss with olive oil.
  3. Saute the onion and green bell pepper in olive oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add the spice blend to the vegetables and stir, blooming the spices.
  5. Mix in the cream of mushroom and chicken soups, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth to form the sauce.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, then stir in sour cream off the heat.
  7. Combine spaghetti, chicken, sauce, 1.5 cups of cheddar, and Monterey Jack in a mixing bowl.
  8. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  9. Mix topping ingredients, sprinkle over casserole, and cover with foil.
Baking
  1. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until topping is golden brown.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Taste and adjust the spice level. Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for better flavor.