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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 (a mix of red and green for color) - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoky smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference) - 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 fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional) When selecting ingredients, freshness matters. Here are tips to help you choose: - Chicken: Look for chicken that is pink and moist. Avoid any that has a gray hue. - Vegetables: Choose bell peppers that are firm and vibrant. Check for any soft spots. - Tomatoes: Pick tomatoes in a can that have no bulging or dents. This ensures quality. - Cheese: Go for freshly shredded cheese when possible. It melts better than pre-shredded options. Allergies can happen, so here are some easy swaps: - Dairy: Use dairy-free cheese or sour cream for lactose issues. - Gluten: Substitute gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free option. - Chicken: Use cooked beans or tofu as a plant-based protein alternative. These tips and substitutions can help you craft a delicious Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that suits your needs. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. 2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. 4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. 5. In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, corn, and diced tomatoes. 6. Pour in the chicken broth and sour cream. Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. 1. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish using a spatula. 2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. 3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. 4. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the cheese to crisp and bubble. 5. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and golden brown. - Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. - For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. - Serve hot straight from the baking dish for a rustic look. - For a fancier touch, plate individual servings. - This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread to enhance the meal. To turn up the heat, add more cayenne pepper. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also mix in hot sauce for a different kick. If you want more flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can brighten the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture. Another mistake is not mixing the ingredients well. Make sure everything is combined for even flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the foil cover when baking. It helps the casserole stay moist. Use a large skillet for sautéing your veggies. A big mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients easily. A 9x13 inch baking dish is perfect for this casserole. For serving, have a spatula ready to scoop out portions. Don’t forget oven mitts for safe handling! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh cilantro adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Consider adding avocado or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Replace the shredded chicken with black beans or chickpeas. These options add protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. Swap out the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative. This version keeps the spice and creamy goodness without meat. To make this casserole dairy-free, choose dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great melts that mimic cheddar well. Instead of sour cream, use cashew cream or coconut yogurt. These options keep it creamy and add a nice flavor twist. Ensure that all other ingredients are dairy-free for a complete dish that everyone can enjoy. Get creative with add-ins to make the casserole your own. Consider adding diced jalapeños for extra heat. You can mix in fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. Another idea is to include olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean touch. Experimenting with different toppings like crushed tortilla chips can add a delightful crunch. Let your taste buds guide you! To keep your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use a spoon to scoop out portions, and avoid digging directly into the casserole. This helps keep the rest fresh. For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the bags with the date to keep track of freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw your casserole overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place it in a 350°F oven. Cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes. This keeps it moist. After that, remove the foil and heat for another 10-15 minutes until warm. You want that cheese bubbling and golden again! No, uncooked spaghetti won't work well here. The casserole needs cooked spaghetti. Cooking it first gives the right texture. If you add uncooked pasta, it will absorb too much moisture and become mushy. Stick with the cooked spaghetti for the best flavor and bite. To ramp up the spice, adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with one teaspoon, then taste it. If you want more heat, add half a teaspoon at a time until you reach your favorite level. You can also add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Mixing in hot sauce before baking can also bring the heat. You can prepare the casserole a day early. Follow all the steps but stop before baking. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just take it out and bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This method keeps all the flavors fresh and ready. We explored essential ingredients for a delicious spicy southern chicken spaghetti casserole. You learned how to pick fresh items and substitute for allergens. The step-by-step guide ensures perfect preparation and baking. We shared tips to add flavor and avoid common mistakes. You discovered variations like vegetarian options and storage info for leftovers. In short, this dish is easy and satisfying. You can make it your own! Try different flavors and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A flavorful and hearty casserole combining spaghetti, chicken, and a spicy blend of ingredients.
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
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoky smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or oil.
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing them until they have softened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
  • In a spacious 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. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly across the dish.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring a good coverage.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the cheese to crisp and bubble. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and a delightful golden brown.
  • Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before serving. If desired, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro.
Keyword casserole, chicken, spaghetti, spicy