EASY SOUTHERN CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken? Look no further! This Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the answer to all your weeknight dinner dilemmas, a creamy, flavorful dream that will have everyone asking for seconds, and I promise you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: The Foundation of Flavor

Before we dive into the cheesy, saucy goodness, let’s make sure our chicken is perfectly cooked and seasoned. You can absolutely use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, but if you’re starting from scratch, here’s my go-to method for juicy, flavorful chicken that will make this casserole sing. I think you’ll love this method, because it takes the stress out of getting it right.

Poaching vs. Baking vs. Shredding: Choosing Your Chicken Adventure

• Poaching: This is my favorite method for incredibly tender chicken. Simply simmer the chicken breasts in lightly salted water until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Let them cool slightly, then shred with two forks. The result is super moist and easy to shred.
• Baking: If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool slightly and shred.
• Shredding Tip: No matter which method you choose, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Cheesy Masterpiece

Now for the fun part! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a casserole that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re juggling a lot of ingredients; take it one step at a time, and you’ll be a Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole pro in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
5. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about this Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a casserole that perfectly suits your taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spice It Up

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spaghetti mixture for a little heat.
• Use hot diced tomatoes and green chilies for an extra kick.
• Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.

Cheese, Please!

• Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheese for a more complex flavor.
• Add a layer of mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for a tangy twist.

Veggie Power

• Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the spaghetti mixture.
• Use a can of mixed vegetables instead of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.

Protein Options

• Use cooked ground turkey or ground beef instead of chicken.
• Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Mix in cooked shrimp or crabmeat for a seafood twist.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful additions.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with this casserole.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions: Planning Ahead

Want to get ahead of the game? This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Here’s how:

Make-Ahead Instructions

1. Prepare the spaghetti mixture as directed in the recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Storage Instructions

• Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: The Comfort Factor

Beyond the delicious flavor and easy preparation, this Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights in. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a comforting meal on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for similar casserole inspiration, you might also enjoy an Enchilada Chicken Casserole or the creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. For another pasta twist, consider Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! or the simplified version, Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. If you’re a fan of the flavors in this dish, give Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and Chicken Enchilada Casserole a try, too! So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food. This Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!