Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a lively mix of spices that give it just the right kick. Creamy cheese and a bit of heat make this casserole a standout on any dinner table, especially if you love Southern flavors.
I always appreciate how this casserole feels like a warm hug after a long day. I like to add a little extra cayenne or hot sauce to make it just spicy enough to wake up my taste buds, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. It’s one of those recipes that’s pretty flexible and always gets compliments from family and friends.
My favorite way to enjoy it is straight from the oven with a side of fresh green beans or a simple salad. It’s the kind of meal that’s great for busy weeknights but also feels special enough for weekend gatherings. Whenever I bring this casserole to a potluck, it’s usually the first dish to disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works great here, but if you want something different, try linguine or fettuccine. For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Chicken: I like using cooked chicken breast for a tender texture. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or you can use leftover grilled chicken.
Rotel Tomatoes: These add both flavor and heat with the green chilies. If you can’t find Rotel, diced fire-roasted tomatoes with chopped jalapeños work well, or just regular diced tomatoes with a little added chili powder.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the sauce creamy and rich. Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream for a tangier, slightly healthier twist.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack give a nice cheesy, spicy combo. Monterey Jack or Colby can substitute for cheddar, and if you want less heat, swap pepper jack for mozzarella.
How Do You Make a Rich, Creamy Sauce Without It Becoming Clumpy?
Melting cream cheese evenly into the sauce can be tricky. Here’s how I do it smoothly every time:
- Lower the heat before adding cream cheese to avoid curdling.
- Cut cream cheese into small chunks; it melts faster and more evenly.
- Stir constantly to blend it into the tomatoes and spices smoothly.
- After cream cheese melts, whisk in sour cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth gradually for a nice, smooth sauce.
Patience is key—melting the cheese slowly on low heat gives you that creamy texture without lumps!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente.
- Large skillet – for sautéing onions, garlic, and warming the sauce ingredients; non-stick works best.
- Mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine the cooked spaghetti with the cheesy chicken sauce evenly.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – roomy enough to hold the casserole and bake it evenly with a golden top.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring sauces without scratching your skillet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try smoked sausage instead of chicken for a smoky, meaty flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños with the onions for extra crunch and heat.
- Mix in some cooked bacon bits to add smoky saltiness that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use pepper jack cheese only for a more pronounced spicy kick, perfect if you like extra heat.
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (or fire-roasted diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and cook the spaghetti and sauce ingredients. The casserole bakes for 25-30 minutes, plus 5 minutes to cool before serving. Overall, plan around 45 minutes for this delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Spaghetti:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Make the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes with their juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, letting all the flavors come together.
3. Add the Cheeses and Creamy Ingredients:
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends smoothly with the tomatoes and spices. Mix in the sour cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth until you have a creamy, smooth sauce. Then, stir in the cooked chicken along with half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.
4. Combine and Bake:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the cheesy chicken sauce, mixing well to coat the noodles evenly. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown. Remove the dish and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a nice fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy the tasty blend of creamy, spicy Southern flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild diced tomatoes instead of Rotel if you prefer less heat. For extra spice, add more cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.