BEST SOUTHERN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Craving that warm, comforting hug in a bowl that only grandma could make? Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece, loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all baked to golden perfection. This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food bliss, and I promise you’ll be serving up smiles with every single bite.

The Dream Team: Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Southern classic. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional But Delicious Additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• A dash of hot sauce (for a little kick!)

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

Alright, friend, let’s dive into making this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. I’m going to walk you through each step, so don’t you worry about a thing!

Step 1: Spaghetti Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, or it will get mushy in the casserole! Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion (and green bell pepper, if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where all the flavor starts to build!

Step 3: Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

1. In a large bowl (or the same skillet after removing from heat), combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced pimentos, and softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft – it will make everything blend much easier!
2. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling brave, add a dash of hot sauce for a little zing!
3. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This is the base of our delicious sauce.

Step 4: Chicken Time

1. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce mixture.
2. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combining It All

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken and sauce mixture.
2. Gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated. Make sure to get all that goodness mixed in!

Step 6: Casserole Assembly

1. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and prevent you from burning your mouth!

Troubleshooting and Tips: My Best Friend Advice

Okay, sometimes things don’t go *exactly* as planned, right? Here’s some friendly advice to help you nail this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:

• Spaghetti Sticking Together? Toss the drained spaghetti with a little bit of olive oil or butter before adding it to the sauce. This will help prevent it from clumping.
• Sauce Too Thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Cheese Not Melting Evenly? Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
• Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Spice It Up! If you like a little heat, add more diced tomatoes and green chilies, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken, canned chicken (drained well), or even cook chicken breasts specifically for this casserole. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Want to put your own spin on this Southern classic? Go for it! Here are some ideas:

• Vegetable Power: Add other veggies like mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the sautéed onion mixture.
• Cheesy Dreams: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick.
• Creamy Goodness Amplified: Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Noodle Swap: While spaghetti is traditional, you could also use egg noodles or even gluten-free pasta.

What to Serve With Your Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair perfectly:

• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balance.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans: A simple side of steamed green beans provides a healthy and colorful addition.
• Coleslaw: A classic Southern coleslaw complements the richness of the casserole.

While you’re in the mood for comforting casseroles, you might also enjoy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for an even cheesier experience. Or, if you’re looking for something with a little southwest flair, try Dreamy Enchilada Chicken Casserole or even Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. For a similar recipe without the cheese overload, check out Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. If you’re feeling luxurious, you can even try the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Finally, for a more complex, elegant dish, consider Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Lucky you if you have any leftovers!

• Storing: Store leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little bit of chicken broth or milk if the casserole seems dry.

Final Thoughts: Your New Family Favorite

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills bellies, and warms hearts. So, gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to create a casserole that will become a beloved tradition in your family. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking, friend!