Frequently Asked Questions
What is Large Batch Southern Style Chicken Spaghetti?
It is a heartwarming one-dish meal from Monroe, Louisiana, featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce tossed with spaghetti.
Who is the original source of this recipe?
This recipe hails from the Monroe Junior Charity League of Monroe, Louisiana.
How many people does this chicken spaghetti recipe serve?
This large batch recipe is designed to feed a crowd of 50 people.
How many chickens are needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 whole baking hens, each weighing approximately 5 pounds.
What vegetables are used in the sauce?
The sauce includes 8 chopped onions, 2 bunches of chopped celery, 4 chopped bell peppers, and 8 chopped garlic cloves.
How much water is required to boil the hens?
The recipe calls for 16 to 20 cups of water for boiling the hens.
What aromatics are added to the boiling water for the chicken?
One chopped celery stalk and one quartered onion are added to the water, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe requires four 14-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
How much tomato paste is used in the sauce?
You will need eight 6-ounce cans of tomato paste.
Is Worcestershire sauce an ingredient in this recipe?
Yes, 1 3/4 cups of Worcestershire sauce are used to add flavor to the dish.
How much catsup is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.333 bottles of 36 1/16 ounce catsup for sweetness.
How much spaghetti is required for 50 servings?
You will need 4 pounds of spaghetti pasta.
How much broth should be reserved for the final dish?
The recipe calls for 20 cups of broth reserved from boiling the hens.
How much black pepper is added to the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 4 teaspoons of black pepper for seasoning.
What is the best way to cook the spaghetti for this dish?
The spaghetti should be cooked until it is perfectly al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for fundraisers?
Yes, its large volume and easy bulk preparation make it ideal for fundraisers, charity events, and reunions.
Can the flavors of this dish meld over time?
Yes, the recipe allows for the flavors to meld beautifully, often making it even better after sitting.
What style of cuisine does this recipe represent?
It represents traditional Southern cuisine and comfort food.
Is this a complex recipe to make in large batches?
No, it is described as an easy recipe to prepare in bulk.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for whole baking hens.
How many garlic cloves are chopped for the sauce?
There are 8 chopped garlic cloves used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the final sauce?
The sauce is described as a luscious, tomato-based mixture blended with sautéed vegetables.
Does this recipe include bell peppers?
Yes, it uses 4 chopped bell peppers.
What is the primary liquid for the sauce base?
The primary liquids are the reserved chicken broth, tomato sauce, and catsup.
Can I use this for a family reunion?
Absolutely, it is noted as an ideal choice for family reunions and large gatherings.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 17 unique ingredients listed for this chicken spaghetti.
Is the chicken shredded or chopped?
While the preparation details for after boiling are not in the snippet, it typically results in tender, pulled or chopped chicken pieces.
Is this recipe considered a 'one-dish meal'?
Yes, it is tagged and described as a convenient one-dish meal.
What is the weight of each baking hen?
Each of the 4 baking hens should be approximately 5 pounds.
What are the core tags for this recipe?
The core tags include chicken spaghetti, southern cuisine, comfort food, and large batch cooking.