Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
When it comes to Southern comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This hearty dish combines succulent chicken, rich cheese, tender spaghetti, and a little Southern heat to create the ultimate casserole for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to serve up something satisfying and full of flavor.
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Whether you’re looking for a meal to prepare ahead of time or something to spice up your dinner routine, this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this dish, with extra tips to ensure it comes out perfect every time.
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Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
The beauty of this dish lies in the combination of simple, easily accessible ingredients that come together to form an indulgent and flavorful casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
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| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 1 lb (cooked) |
| Chicken (shredded) | 1 lb (about 1 rotisserie chicken) |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Velveeta cheese (cut into chunks) | 1 lb |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) | 1 (10 oz) can |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10 oz) can |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Panko bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. You’ll want the spaghetti to be al dente, meaning it should have a slight firmness to it. This ensures the spaghetti holds up well during baking and doesn’t become mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.
2. Shred the Chicken
Shred the meat from a rotisserie chicken, making sure to discard the skin and bones. Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a deep, roasted flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can cook your own chicken breasts, but rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the Velveeta cheese chunks and milk, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without any lumps. Once the sauce is creamy, stir in the can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) along with the can of cream of mushroom soup. This combination gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture with a bit of tang and spice from the Rotel. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until the spaghetti and chicken are well-coated with the sauce. This is the key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a bubbly, golden layer as it bakes.
In a small bowl, mix panko bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. This will create a crisp, crunchy topping that adds texture to the casserole. Sprinkle the buttered panko over the shredded cheddar.
6. Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. The cheese should be perfectly melted, and the bread crumbs should be crispy.
7. Serve and Garnish
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to ensure the flavors are set. For an added burst of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top before serving. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce.
