If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort with a spicy kick, look no further than this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic spaghetti and Southern flair, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. With tender shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, every bite delivers a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Let’s dive into why this casserole deserves a spot on your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole has so much to offer, and here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, including garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, elevates this dish to new heights. You can adjust the heat to your preference, ensuring it suits everyone’s palate.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Casseroles are synonymous with comfort food, and this recipe is no exception. The creamy texture from the mushroom soup and sour cream adds a cozy touch that everyone craves.
- Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. With minimal prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in about an hour!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or even substitute the chicken for another protein. This recipe is versatile and adaptable to your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, they hold up beautifully in the fridge and make for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
With its delicious flavors and straightforward preparation, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Beyond its amazing taste, there are several compelling reasons to give this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole a try:
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. The combination of cheese and pasta is always a hit!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, this dish is both filling and nutritious, keeping you energized throughout the day.
- Great for Entertaining: Hosting a gathering? This casserole can be made in advance and easily reheated, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
- Comforting and Satisfying: After a long day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm bowl of this spicy chicken spaghetti casserole. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside!
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To make your Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Necessary Utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Having the right utensils will ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and efficient!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that we have everything we need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green bell pepper and onion, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the vegetables, making them aromatic and delicious.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and black olives if using. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure every bite is full of flavor!
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious spicy Southern chicken spaghetti casserole!
Cooking Tip: For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños to the mix or serving with a side of hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time and add flavor to your Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, along with some beans for protein.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cover it tightly before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
While cheddar cheese is traditionally used, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier version of your Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort. With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and delightful cheesiness, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends or on social media. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our selections for family favorites or explore high-protein pasta dishes and taco-inspired meals. Looking for something sweet? Don’t miss our flourless brownie waffles!
For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page here.

Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/2 cup Chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup Chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Sliced black olives optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green bell pepper and onion, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the sautéed vegetables and black olives if using.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!