Alabama Chicken Spaghetti
Alabama Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and flavorful mushrooms in a hearty tomato-based sauce, served over spaghetti—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large hen (7 lb.) ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 8 stalks celery, cleaned ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, seeded and membranes removed ⓘ
- 3 cans sliced mushrooms with liquid ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 large cans whole tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the hen in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a little salt and cook until tender, covered; reserve the broth.
- Remove the cooked hen and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, celery, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms with liquid.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and drained tomatoes to the vegetables.
- Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, then drain.
- Combine the spaghetti with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water when cooking the hen. If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the hen with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it entirely for a delicious vegan recipe. Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alabama Chicken Spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Rice And Vegetables Casserole for a hearty and balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Alabama Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alabama Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 1060 calories, with 36g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (105% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the vegetable mixture when specified. This allows you to skip the cooking step for the hen, making the dish quicker to prepare.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when cooking the vegetables. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes into the dish before serving to adjust the spice level to your preference.
Is it possible to freeze Alabama Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze Alabama Chicken Spaghetti! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).