Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy, spicy sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. It’s got that perfect blend of cheesy goodness and Southern flair that makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
I love making this casserole because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. The spice gives it a nice kick without overpowering the creamy cheese and chicken, so it’s great for anyone who likes a little excitement in their dinner. I usually add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top to get that golden, crispy crust that everyone fights over.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is right out of the oven with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies. It’s perfect for feeding a bunch of friends or family since it reheats well and tastes just as delicious the next day. I’m pretty sure this casserole will become one of your go-to comfort meals too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken is great for quick prep. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds juiciness. You can also use leftover or shredded poached chicken.
Tomas with Green Chilies: This ingredient adds both moisture and a mild spicy kick. If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes with chilies, mix regular diced tomatoes with a bit of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream, but keep cream cheese for that silky texture.
Cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold cheesy flavor, while pepper jack adds heat. For milder taste, swap pepper jack with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Spices: Smoked paprika and chili powder add warmth and depth. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit cayenne.
How Do I Get the Creamy, Smooth Sauce Without Lumps?
The key to a creamy sauce is melting and combining the cheese and cream cheese slowly over low heat. Follow these steps for best results:
- After sautéing onion and garlic, lower the heat before adding cream cheese.
- Break cream cheese into small pieces, stirring constantly so it melts evenly.
- Add sour cream in small amounts, stirring well to blend into the cream cheese smoothly.
- When adding shredded cheeses, mix them gradually and keep stirring to avoid clumps.
- If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Taking your time with this step ensures the sauce coats the spaghetti perfectly and keeps that luscious texture through baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the spaghetti; I like one with a strainer insert to make draining easy.
- Large skillet – perfect for sautéing onions and garlic and mixing the sauce without crowding.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – gentle on your skillet and great for stirring the creamy sauce smoothly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for the casserole to bake evenly and develop a crispy top layer.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential to get your spices and cheeses just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or ground turkey for a different protein with a hearty flavor.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra sweetness and crunch that balance the spice well.
- Stir in black olives or jalapeños if you want a tangy or extra spicy kick.
- Top with pepper jack only for a spicier finish or use mozzarella for a milder, melty cheese layer.
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and cooking the sauce and spaghetti, plus 20-25 minutes to bake the casserole until bubbling and golden. So, plan for about 40 minutes total to get this delicious dish on your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Combine Spices:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Chicken and Spices:
Stir in the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors together.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in the sour cream until fully combined. Then, add shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Gently toss to coat all noodles evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top if you like. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then drain any excess moisture and pat dry to avoid a watery casserole.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy if needed.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for milder heat, or add extra if you love it spicy. You can also swap pepper jack cheese for a milder cheese to tone down the heat.
