Description
A comforting Southern-style casserole made with spaghetti, shredded chicken, creamy cheesy sauce, and a spicy kick, topped with buttery crackers and baked until golden.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika (smoked or sweet)
Spaghetti
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk (whole or 2%)
Chicken broth
Cream cheese, softened
Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
Diced green chilies (canned, mild or medium)
Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained)
Hot sauce (Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or similar)
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Crushed butter crackers (e.g. Ritz)
Melted butter
Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Shred or dice.
3. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a paste.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, simmer until thickened.
6. Reduce heat, add softened cream cheese, and stir until melted.
7. Slowly add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring until smooth.
8. Stir in diced green chilies, Rotel, hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Adjust seasoning.
9. Combine spaghetti, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Transfer to greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Mix remaining shredded cheese, crushed crackers, and melted butter; sprinkle on top.
11. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
12. Rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead (without topping) and refrigerate.
Freeze leftovers up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Adjust spice by varying hot sauce, cayenne, and chili types.
Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti bake, spicy southern recipe, comfort food