Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right amount of kick. It’s packed with bold flavors and a nice touch of Southern charm that makes it comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
I love making this casserole when I want something filling but still a little bit exciting thanks to the spicy twist. The blend of melted cheese, juicy chicken, and those soft spaghetti noodles always hits the spot. It’s one of those meals that’s easy to throw together, but feels like a special treat for dinner.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side to balance out the richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great for potlucks or weeknight dinners, and I find myself reaching for it whenever I’m craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s got a little Southern flair to warm you up inside.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Noodles: Classic spaghetti works best to hold all that creamy sauce. If you want, you can swap for linguine or even fettuccine for a slightly different texture.
Chicken: I recommend cooked, shredded breast for lean protein and easy shredding. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or even leftover chicken works well.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add spice and flavor. If you want less heat, use plain diced tomatoes or mild green chilies.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack create a creamy, melty blend with good flavor. You can use Colby Jack or mozzarella as alternatives if needed.
Cream Cheese, Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These make the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt in place of mayo or sour cream.
How Do I Get the Creamy, Spicy Sauce Just Right?
The sauce is the heart of this casserole, so balancing the creamy texture and spice is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Soften the cream cheese first; it blends better and keeps the sauce smooth.
- Mix cream cheese with sour cream, mayo, and chicken broth before adding seasonings to ensure even coating.
- Add spices gradually—start with less cayenne if you’re sensitive to heat, since it packs a punch.
- Fold the noodles in gently so they absorb the sauce without breaking.
Following these steps will make your casserole creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy without overpowering the dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for layering and baking the spaghetti casserole evenly.
- Large pot – to cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente easily.
- Large skillet – for sautéing onions and garlic to build great flavor.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the creamy sauce and chicken before baking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – gentle for folding the spaghetti without breaking noodles.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the casserole dish while baking to keep moisture in.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked shrimp to add a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Add cooked bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat when you want more spice.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor and added texture.
- Try substituting pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack to amp up the spicy notes subtly.
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Ro*Tel), drained
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust more or less to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, plus around 10 minutes to cook the spaghetti and sauté the onion and garlic. Total time is roughly 50 minutes from start to finish — perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked shredded chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the mixing bowl and gently fold everything together so the noodles are fully coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Then add the remaining spaghetti mixture and finish with the rest of the shredded cheeses.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the dish.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to make it milder. For extra heat, add more cayenne or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
