Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini
A spicy, cheesy chicken tetrazzini with bold flavors from jalapenos and peppers, perfect for comforting dinners with a kick for those who love rich, savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 whole chicken breasts, cooked, skinned, boned and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. canola oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. jalapeno, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. linguine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of flour, salt, ground red pepper, ground white pepper, and ground black pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the cooked, cubed chicken in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the coated chicken in 2 tablespoons of canola oil for 4 to 5 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion, chopped red bell pepper, chopped jalapeno, and chopped garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in skim milk and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until heated through.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix well.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine the chicken mixture with cooked linguine and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or cheese. If you want to reduce the spice level, you can omit the jalapeno or use a milder pepper. For a gluten-free option, substitute the linguine with a gluten-free pasta. This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini with a side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair nicely. For an extra kick, consider serving with a slice of jalapeno cornbread. This dish also goes well with a creamy soup like Cream Of Broccoli Or Cauliflower And Cheese Soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying out, and stir until warmed through. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 785 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2242mg per serving (97% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time. Just ensure it's shredded into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the skillet. This will keep the dish flavorful and reduce your prep time significantly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the linguine fresh before serving. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish and freeze it before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prep!
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack will work well for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also use a blend of cheeses for added depth. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
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).