Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, delicious hug, then you absolutely must try this ade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. Each bite brings a cozy Southern charm straight to your table, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Trust me, once you make this classic casserole, it’ll quickly become your new favorite go-to comfort food recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create rich layers of flavor and mouthwatering texture. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy Velveeta cheese adding smoothness to the zesty canned Rotel giving it just the right spicy kick.

• 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors in this casserole.
• 7 oz Spaghetti Noodles: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect chewy bite and soak up the creamy sauce.
• 1 lb Velveeta Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, ensuring a luscious and creamy texture.
• 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup: A Southern classic that adds richness and depth to the casserole’s sauce.
• 2 ½ Cups Chicken Broth: Used to cook the noodles and create a flavorful, savory sauce base.
• 1 Can Rotel: Adds a vibrant flame of spice and color, with its diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Salt to Taste: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the dish perfectly.
• Pepper to Taste: Adds subtle warmth and helps bring out the spices in the casserole.
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust.
• Aunt Jane’s Krazy Mixed Up Salt (Optional): A flavorful seasoning boost if you want to give this dish a little extra zing.

How to Make Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Step 1: Cook and Chop the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breasts in a large pot of water seasoned with salt and pepper. Boiling them for about 30 to 45 minutes ensures they’re beautifully tender. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and reserve the broth—it’ll come in handy soon. Let the chicken cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces that will disperse evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

Next, add the spaghetti noodles directly into the reserved chicken broth and cook them until just tender, about 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta in the broth infuses it with more savory flavor. Keep an eye on the noodles to avoid overcooking—al dente is perfect. Once ready, drain the noodles, but don’t toss the broth; you’ll return some to the pot for your sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour about 2 cups of that flavorful broth back into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cube the Velveeta cheese and slowly stir it into the warm broth until it melts seamlessly. Then add the cream of chicken soup and the entire can of Rotel, including the juices—for that brilliant pop of spicy tomato goodness. Let everything simmer together until the sauce is thick, smooth, and inviting.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Combine the chopped chicken and cooked spaghetti noodles with the creamy sauce in the pot, mixing everything thoroughly. Pour this delicious mixture into the prepared dish. If it’s a bit dry for your liking, add a splash more broth, but be careful not to make it soupy. Finish by generously sprinkling shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your casserole at 350° Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The baking step not only melds the flavors but also creates that irresistible crust on top that every Southern comfort dish deserves.

How to Serve Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes takes this casserole to the next level. Freshly chopped parsley or green onions bring a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of Aunt Jane’s Krazy Mixed Up Salt for an extra flavor kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crisp green beans, a fresh garden salad, or even buttery corn on the cob creates a truly satisfying meal. Southern-style collard greens or a side of tangy coleslaw add just the right textural contrast to complement the creamy, cheesy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Top each with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and a little diced tomato or jalapeño to up the visual appeal. Another idea is to scoop out portions onto plates and drizzle with a little hot sauce or freshly chopped herbs to brighten every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No worries! Transfer the remaining casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, giving you quick and easy lunches or dinners that taste just as comforting as the first time.

Freezing

This ade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Place your leftovers in a freezer-safe container, making sure to cover tightly to avoid freezer burn. You can store it frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your saved casserole, reheat gently in the oven at 350° until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or milk before reheating helps maintain that creamy texture we all love.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time saver and adds a bit of smoky flavor. Just shred it and add it to the casserole as directed.

Is Velveeta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta melts smoothly and gives the casserole its creamy texture, but you can substitute with a blend of processed cheese if needed. Just keep the total cheese quantity the same.

How spicy is the dish with Rotel included?

The Rotel adds a mild to moderate spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the amount or choose mild Rotel for less spice.

Can I prepare the casserole entirely ahead and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just extend the baking time slightly if going in straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t have Aunt Jane’s Krazy Mixed Up Salt?

No problem! You can use a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika as a substitute to mimic those complex flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making this ade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole enough. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly blends comfort and flavor, making it perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and prepare to fall in love with a casserole that feels like a warm Southern hug in every bite.

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