Cheesy Californian Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Indulge in this delicious Cheesy Californian Chicken Spaghetti Bake, a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy spaghetti. Inspired by a classic recipe from the University Women's Cookbook, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The blend of savory stewed tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic spices ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises a delightful dining experience. Serve it all mixed together for a delightful mix of flavors and textures that your loved ones will enjoy!
8
Servings
444
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
3 lbs (cut up)
evaporated milk
1/2 cup (none)
biscuit mix
1 cup (none)
spaghetti
8 ounces (none)
stewed tomatoes
1 lb (none)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
white wine
1/2 cup (none)
chopped mushrooms
3 ounces (none)
finely chopped onion
1/2 cup (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a shallow bowl, dip each piece of chicken in evaporated milk, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, dredge the chicken in biscuit mix, covering all sides.
3
In a heavy skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until browned and crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
4
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, stewed tomatoes, sour cream, white wine, chopped mushrooms, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6
Spread the spaghetti mixture in a greased shallow baking dish, then arrange the browned chicken pieces on top. Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve the chicken on a platter while mixing the spaghetti until well combined with the melted cheese.
Nutrition Information
22.3g
Fat
30.9g
Carbs
31.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Californian Chicken Spaghetti Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy spaghetti, inspired by a classic recipe from the University Women's Cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 444 calories, 22.3g of fat, 30.9g of carbohydrates, and 31.5g of protein.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How is the chicken prepared before browning?
The chicken pieces are dipped in evaporated milk and then dredged in biscuit mix to ensure they are well coated.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Brown the chicken in 1/4 inch of oil for about 5-7 minutes per side until it is crispy.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions until it is al dente.
What ingredients are mixed with the cooked spaghetti?
The spaghetti is mixed with stewed tomatoes, sour cream, white wine, chopped mushrooms, onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
What kind of cheese is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mozzarella cheese.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake for 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe suggests using 3 lbs of cut-up chicken pieces.
Do I need to drain the stewed tomatoes?
The instructions imply using the stewed tomatoes as they are, but you should drain the spaghetti before adding it to the mix.
Is the white wine required?
The 1/2 cup of white wine adds a specific depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with chicken broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
What can I use if I don't have biscuit mix?
You can use a mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of shortening, or simply use seasoned flour for dredging.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 ounces of chopped mushrooms; fresh mushrooms will work perfectly.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the chicken on a platter and mix the spaghetti thoroughly with the melted cheese before serving the pasta alongside.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it is a one-dish meal that yields 8 servings, it is excellent for leftovers or family dinners.
What kind of baking dish is best?
A greased shallow baking dish is recommended to ensure even cooking and enough surface area for the cheese.
What gives this dish its 'Californian' name?
The name likely stems from the specific combination of ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, and wine commonly found in West Coast variations of classic casseroles.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
Can I use evaporated milk for anything else in this recipe?
In this recipe, it is specifically used as a wash for the chicken coating.
What herbs provide the flavor?
Oregano is the primary herb used, along with salt and pepper.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber content is not listed, though the tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms contribute a small amount.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a savory and creamy dish. You can add red pepper flakes if you want to introduce heat.
What should the consistency of the spaghetti mixture be?
It should be creamy and well-distributed due to the sour cream, tomatoes, and wine.
Can I use chicken breasts only?
Yes, you can use 3 lbs of chicken breasts, though bone-in pieces often stay juicier during a 1-hour bake.
Should the mozzarella be shredded or sliced?
The recipe specifically recommends using 8 ounces of sliced mozzarella cheese.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The chicken should be tender and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.