This comforting and creamy chicken spaghetti casserole is a perfect family meal, combining tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and gooey cheese, all baked together in one dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups grated chicken (preferably from cooked, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
- ⅔ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (a mix of red and green is colorful), chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Combine Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated chicken, cooked spaghetti noodles, chopped celery, onions, and bell peppers. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, adjust with a bit more chicken broth. - Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetable mix. Stir well to ensure everything is coated.
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. - Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the flavors meld together while baking.
Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. - Serving:
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tips
- For a crisper top: Mix some breadcrumbs with grated parmesan and sprinkle over the cheese before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- For added flavor: Sauté the onions, celery, and bell peppers in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the mix for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate covered. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Enjoy this easy, comforting chicken spaghetti casserole!