Name: Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup chopped green and/or red bell pepper; 2 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, or olive oil); 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 can condensed cream of celery soup; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup chicken broth (unsalted); 12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (divided: 8 ounces for casserole, 4 ounces for topping); 1 pound pasta (spaghetti)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 103 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, comforting casserole that’s everything you didn’t know you needed in your dinner routine, this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is an absolute gem. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, and trust me—you’ll want to make it a regular in your rotation. I absolutely love how this dish combines simple pantry ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Stick with me here, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and I promise you’ll be delighted with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food at its finest: Creamy sauce, shredded chicken, and melted sharp cheddar make this a soul-satisfying dish.
Easy to make weeknight dinner: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, it’s perfect when you want something homemade but fuss-free.
Naturally adaptable: You can swap veggies, use different cheeses, or make it lighter with simple tweaks I’ll share.
Feeds a crowd: This recipe is great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping because it stretches well.

Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

One thing I love about this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between fresh veggies, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, creating a dish that’s savory, hearty, and downright addictive. When shopping, choosing good-quality cheese and fresh veggies makes a noticeable difference.

Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Ingredients

Pasta (spaghetti): I stick with spaghetti for that classic texture, but any long pasta like linguine works well, too.
Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer richer flavor and stay tender, but breasts are leaner—either way, you’ll get tasty shredded chicken.
Oil (canola, vegetable, or olive): Use whatever you have on hand; olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness.
Celery: Adds a mild crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
Onion: I always use yellow onion—it caramelizes nicely and builds depth.
Green and/or red bell pepper: I like mixing colors for sweetness and a pop of color.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The base for our creamy sauce—don’t swap for broth here, it won’t be as velvety.
Condensed cream of celery soup: Adds subtle earthiness and layers of flavor with the chicken soup.
Garlic powder: Keeps the garlic flavor mellow and well-distributed.
Sour cream: The secret weapon for creamy tang that keeps this dish from feeling too heavy.
Chicken broth (unsalted): Control the saltiness while adding moisture and flavor.
Sharp Cheddar cheese: I prefer sharp for that punch of flavor that melts beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Simple but critical for seasoning everything just right.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is how versatile it is. Over time, I’ve found a few tweaks that really help tailor it to what my family loves or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Use rotisserie chicken: When I’m short on time, swapping out home-cooked chicken for store-bought rotisserie works like a charm and adds extra flavor.
Substitute cream soups with homemade sauces: If you want to lighten it up, you can replace condensed soups with a homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt (just be sure to adjust seasoning).
Try different cheeses: Mixing Monterey Jack or mozzarella with sharp cheddar gives a nice melt and varied flavor that I’ve really enjoyed.
Add heat: For a southern kick, I sometimes throw in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Bake or Boil Chicken Until Tender

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF if baking the chicken. I either bake the chicken thighs or breasts in a lightly greased dish with salt and pepper, covered in foil—this keeps the meat moist—or boil them in a pot of water. The key is to cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, so it’s safe and perfectly tender. Once cooked, let the chicken cool a bit, then shred it using two forks. I like shredding because it absorbs the creamy sauce better, and you’ll get a perfect bite every time.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, chop your onions, celery, and bell peppers. I usually use a medium heat and cook these veggies in oil for about 15 minutes until they start to soften—this develops their natural sweetness and builds flavor for the sauce. Make sure you stir occasionally so they don’t burn or stick.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once your veggies are tender, pour in the chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken and cream of celery soups, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sour cream. Stir everything well and let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld. This step is where the magic happens—I love watching the sauce go from watery to silky and thick as it simmers. Add in the shredded chicken and mix it all together for that rich, comforting combo.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Assemble the Casserole

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions—usually around 9 minutes until al dente. Drain it well, then lightly oil your 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Add the drained pasta and the chicken-vegetable mixture to the dish, and toss gently to marry all those fabulous flavors. Stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, cover it with foil, and bake at 350ºF for about 15 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges—seriously mouthwatering. I usually remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to let the top get that perfect slight crust. This step is key to balancing creamy inside with just enough cheesy crust on top.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Perfectly Shred Chicken: Wait until the chicken cools slightly before shredding to avoid steaming your hands, and use two forks for quick, even shreds.
Don’t Skip Sautéing Veggies: Cooking the celery, onion, and peppers beforehand softens them and builds deep flavor that baking alone won’t achieve.
Control the Sauce Consistency: Let the sauce simmer uncovered to thicken slightly—it’ll prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Evenly Distribute Cheese: Mixing half the cheese into the pasta helps it melt thoroughly instead of just sitting on top.

How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving—it adds brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish feel fresh. Sometimes, I’ll also dust a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth and extra visual appeal. It’s small touches like these that make a humble casserole feel a little more special at the table.

Side Dishes

Since the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is already rich and filling, I typically pair it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Coleslaw or steamed green beans work beautifully, too, adding fresh crunch and balance to all that cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—makes it feel fancy and perfect for dinner parties. You can also top with a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture before baking for a crunchy twist that’s always a hit. Trust me, these little upgrades make all the difference when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the casserole cool completely, then transfer any uneaten portions into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for about 3 to 4 days. I find it reheats nicely without losing moisture, unlike some pasta dishes that get dry. Just make sure to cover it tightly to preserve the creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe a few times, and it does well if you prep and bake it first. After it’s cooled, wrap tightly in foil and a layer of plastic wrap. When thawed, it reheats beautifully in the oven, though the texture of the veggies softens slightly. Freezing before baking works too, just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer to cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes until bubbling hot. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit watery or unevenly heated. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top halfway through reheating revives the creamy texture nicely.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking time according to the pasta type and drain well before assembling the casserole.
Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly fine. They’re leaner but can dry out more easily, so be sure to avoid overcooking and keep an eye on internal temperature. Shredding still works great for mixing into the casserole.
Can I make this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! In fact, preparing it a day ahead and baking it just before serving helps flavors meld beautifully. You can also assemble frozen casseroles, just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
What can I serve with Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake?

Light sides like a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans complement this rich dish well, balancing out the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Make sure to simmer the sauce uncovered to let it thicken and drain your pasta well before mixing. Also, avoid adding too much chicken broth or sour cream beyond the recipe amount to keep the consistency just right.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe holds a special place on my dinner table for its unbeatable mix of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings and quiet weeknights alike, and every time it delivers that cozy, cheesy satisfaction we all crave. If you’ve been searching for a down-home casserole recipe that’s easy to pull together but feels like a celebration, give this one a try—I can’t wait for you to love it as much as I do!