Are you ready to indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug? Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With creamy layers of flavor and tender chicken, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a hearty meal, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and see how easy it is to make!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole brings warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish is quick to put together, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and familiar flavors make it a hit among children and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Required Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
To make Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you need simple, easy-to-find ingredients. First, use two cups of cooked spaghetti. It gives the dish a nice base. Then, include two cups of cooked shredded chicken for protein. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease.
Next, grab a can of cream of chicken soup. This adds creaminess and flavor. Combine it with a cup of sour cream for even more richness. For cheese lovers, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese is a must. You can always add more on top.
For the vegetables, use half a cup of diced bell pepper and half a cup of diced onion. These add color and crunch. A cup of chicken broth keeps the casserole moist.
Season your dish with one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of paprika. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. If you like olives, add half a cup of sliced black olives. They give a nice briny touch. Finally, don’t forget fresh parsley for garnish. It makes your dish look bright and inviting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of cooked spaghetti and 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken.
Combining Ingredients
- In another bowl, blend 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and black olives if you like.
Baking the Casserole
- Pour the soup mixture over the spaghetti and chicken. Mix until everything is coated well.
- Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with a generous layer of 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for bubbly edges and slightly golden cheese.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Casserole
To make the best Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, mix your ingredients well. This step helps ensure even cooking. If you want more flavor, adjust your seasoning. Taste as you go, and make it your own.
Presentation Suggestions
For a lovely look, sprinkle extra cheese on top of your casserole. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Serve it with crusty bread. This combo makes the meal even more comforting.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, saving you time and enhancing flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a quick meal.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist on flavor.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken.
You can easily modify this dish to suit your taste or needs. Whole wheat spaghetti adds a nice nutty flavor. It also boosts the fiber content. If you have leftover turkey, it’s a great fit. Rotisserie chicken saves time and is super tasty.
Flavor Enhancements
- Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Incorporate spices such as cayenne for heat.
Enhancing the flavor is fun and easy. Adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini gives extra texture. They also add nutrition. If you enjoy a little kick, try cayenne pepper. It warms up the dish and makes it exciting. You can even mix in herbs like basil or thyme for more depth.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh. You should consume it within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the uncooked casserole before baking it. This is a great way to save time for future meals. A cooked casserole can also be frozen. It stays good for up to 2 months. Just make sure it cools completely before you freeze it. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Enjoy your meal without the hassle!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. This makes meal prep easy. Just cover it well. When ready, pop it in the oven. Bake it as directed to enjoy a hot dish.
What can I serve with Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread brings a warm, buttery touch. Both sides make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat versions of cream of chicken soup and sour cream work well. They still provide creaminess and flavor. You can enjoy a lighter meal without losing taste.
This blog post guides you through making a delicious Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can customize it with different meats or veggies to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. I hope you feel ready to create this comforting dish that your family will love. Enjoy making memories in your kitchen with every bit
Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 0.5 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 0.5 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken.
- In another bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, onion, and black olives (if using) into the soup mixture.
- Pour the soup mixture over the spaghetti and chicken, and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Once done, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
