SPICY SOUTHERN CHICKEN HEAVEN

I can almost smell Grandma Betty’s kitchen every time I think about it – the comforting aroma of simmering tomatoes, peppers, and a hint of spice that promised a truly special meal. Her Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole was legendary at every family gathering, and learning to make it myself felt like unlocking a precious family secret. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole you’ll ever make!

Why This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite

Alright, friends, let’s talk comfort food with a kick! We’re not just making any casserole; we’re diving headfirst into a symphony of Southern flavors, perfectly balanced with a touch of spice that will have everyone begging for seconds. This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate, a nostalgic trip back to Grandma’s kitchen, and a celebration of good food and good company.

What makes this casserole so special? It’s all about the layers. Tender, juicy chicken mingles with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with the flavors of the South: think bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a generous dose of your favorite hot sauce or spices. It’s the kind of dish that gets better with every bite, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Think of this as your canvas to create the ultimate chicken spaghetti masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking, add extra veggies, or even throw in some bacon for an extra smoky flavor. The key is to have fun and make it your own!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – this recipe is flexible, and you can easily substitute or omit ingredients based on your preferences.

• Chicken: 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. I personally love using leftover SMOTHERED CHICKEN RECIPE for an extra layer of flavor!
• Spaghetti: 1 pound of spaghetti, cooked al dente according to package directions.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This complements the chicken flavor and adds another layer of creaminess.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: 1 (10 ounce) can of Rotel. This adds a touch of heat and acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), diced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided. This melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
• Hot Sauce: Your favorite hot sauce, to taste. I love using a Louisiana-style hot sauce for that authentic Southern kick.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped green onions, sour cream, or more shredded cheese for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Make the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel).
6. Add the spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. It should be a beautiful, slightly thickened sauce.
8. Add the chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
9. Combine with spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly.
10. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
11. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The cheese should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
13. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
14. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the chicken and cheese perfectly.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda.
• Add more vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the onions and bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Use different types of pasta: While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. If you are feeling like something extra decadent, I suggest taking a look at CREAMY CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN –you can easily tweak that recipe for a casserole!

Success Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Want to guarantee a perfect Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole every time? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to become mushy.
• Use good quality cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before adding the spaghetti to the sauce, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it is heated through. If you’re short on time during the week, but love a good casserole then you might be interested in CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti!

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can easily make it ahead of time or freeze it for later.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it is heated through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrap and foil and bake as directed, adding extra baking time to ensure that it is heated through. You might also need to cover the top with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too much.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides:

• Green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.
• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
• Steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful accompaniments. If you’re feeling something lighter, CHICKEN SLIDERS makes a great side!

A Few Extra Tips & Tricks

Okay, besties, let’s dive into some extra secrets that will take your casserole from good to *amazing*.

• Roast Your Chicken For Maximum Flavor: While leftover chicken is convenient, roasting a whole chicken and shredding the meat yourself really kicks up the flavor. It adds a depth you just can’t get otherwise.
• Don’t Skimp On The Spices: This is a *spicy* Southern casserole, after all! Don’t be afraid to be generous with the chili powder, cayenne, and hot sauce. You can always start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Bloom Your Spices: Before adding the soup and tomatoes, toast your spices in the butter and oil for about a minute. This helps to release their essential oils and intensifies their flavor.
• Deglaze the Pan: After sautéing the vegetables and toasting the spices, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. This will loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and add extra flavor to the sauce.
• Use a Combination of Cheeses: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while Gruyere adds a nutty, complex flavor. And if you want to get really fancy, try adding a little bit of Parmesan cheese to the top of the casserole before baking.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

If you love this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorite chicken recipes:

• BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS: Perfect for parties and game days!
• CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days.
• CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP HEAVEN: A flavorful and hearty soup with a spicy kick.
• HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN: A decadent and indulgent mac and cheese with a sweet and spicy twist.
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A quick and easy one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Spicy Southern Magic!

There you have it! Your very own Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, ready to bring smiles and warmth to your table. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe, add your own personal touches, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, a memory in the making, and a celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will become a family favorite for years to come!

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings. Tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a touch of spice create a symphony of Southern flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s easy to make and customizable to your liking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper any color
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce, to taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Optional: Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel).
• Add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. It should be a beautiful, slightly thickened sauce.
• Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly.
• Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The cheese should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a deeper flavor, roast a whole chicken and shred the meat yourself. Bloom the spices by toasting them in the butter and oil before adding the soup and tomatoes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after sautéing the vegetables to add extra flavor to the sauce. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking or frozen for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add extra baking time.