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A savory baked chicken spaghetti dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs, served in a rustic casserole dish.

Spicy Southern Comfort: The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Bake

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Spicy Southern Comfort: The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful, fiery casserole that combines tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and gooey cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this spicy chicken spaghetti offers a comforting yet bold taste experience with Southern-inspired spices and a hint of heat. Easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite, this dish is your new go-to for a satisfying and spicy meal.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce or buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through about 6-7 minutes per side. Rest and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and bell peppers until tender, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
  • Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor if desired.
  • For a milder version, replace hot sauce with milder sauces or reduce the cayenne.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Contains Poultry

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg