Ever just stand in your kitchen, staring at the fridge, thinking, “Alright, what’s for dinner?” Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the warm, bubbly answer to that daily dilemma. It’s got all the cozy vibes you want after a long day and honestly, the way the cheese melts is just plain ridiculous. Forgot to thaw chicken? Got picky eaters? If you’ve ever run into those headaches, trust me, this dish comes through every time. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank for weird ingredients. Grab what you’ve got and dive in. 
What is chicken spaghetti?
Chicken spaghetti is hands-down one of those old-school comfort casseroles that always finds a spot on my table. It’s not your typical red-sauce spaghetti, let’s get that clear. You mix tender chopped chicken, creamy soups, a hearty swirl of cooked spaghetti, and loads of cheese—then bake it to golden perfection. Some folks swear by using canned tomatoes, green chiles, or even a hint of bell pepper for a Southern zing.
Where did it come from? I like to think some Southern home cook was cleaning out their pantry, saw leftovers, and thought, “Yeah, this’ll do.” And thank goodness they did! Today’s Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is like a warm hug, tastes better the next day, and never lets me down at potlucks. People usually ask for seconds, then quietly ask for the recipe too. Still not convinced? Seriously, try it with a side of cheesy corn casserole and tell me it’s not the best thing you ate all week. 
“Made this chicken spaghetti for family bingo night and it disappeared faster than you can say ‘winner.’ Even my picky teens went back for more!” — Justine from Birmingham
Can Chicken Spaghetti be frozen?
You bet it can. That’s another reason why Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is one of my go-to recipes. If you’re a planner (unlike me most nights, ha), you can totally double the batch and freeze one for later.
Just build the casserole like usual, but stop before baking it. Cover it tightly with foil or a good lid. Pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for about two-three months with no problem. When you’re ready for some cheesy, gooey goodness, thaw it overnight in the fridge or, if you’re feeling rebellious, toss it right in the oven from frozen—just add extra time. And let’s be honest, leftovers also reheat like a dream.
I once made this before heading out for a beach weekend, and coming home to an easy, ready-to-bake meal? Pure joy. If you like freezer-friendly dishes, I’d say check out Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole, ‘cause that one’s another crowd-pleaser. 
How to cook the chicken
So, here’s the scoop. You’ve got choices. Busy? Grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken, yank the meat off, call it a day. Got time or chicken to use up? Boil a couple chicken breasts or thighs in salted water. I sometimes throw in celery, carrot, and onion for bonus flavor, but no judgment if you don’t.
Pull the cooked chicken, let it cool a minute (burnt fingers, ouch), then shred or chop it up small.
Some folks like to roast the chicken for a little extra flavor, but honestly? Boiled or rotisserie is easier and still legit. If you want to get wild, try swapping in leftover cheesy garlic mushroom chicken. It works way better than you might think, and you didn’t hear it from me if you end up eating it cold outta the fridge.
Make ahead: freezer and refrigerator storage instructions
Life gets weirdly busy, right? Here’s what I do to stay ahead. Assembly line your Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and slip it straight into the fridge—uncooked if you’re baking it the next day. Slap some foil on there. It keeps well for up to two days before baking. Need it even longer? Slide it into the freezer (instructions up above).
When ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temp for fifteen minutes if you can, then just bake like usual. Totally forgot and tossed it in cold? Add a little extra bake time. Don’t stress if it gets a little golden. That’s flavor, right? Leftovers keep in the fridge for three or four days, easy.
Unless you live with teenage boys—then good luck having leftovers at all. Want another make-ahead star? Try this cheesy hamburger casserole, ‘cause it’s picky-eater proof.
Related recipes
In the mood to shake up dinner even more? Gotcha covered with these other favorites:
- Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: Crunchy tater tots plus cheesy beef? It’s a mess, but it’s a good mess.
- Cheesy Chicken Garlic Wraps: Super quick, super garlicky, and real friendly on busy nights.
- Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken: Okay, this one’s absurdly rich, but you only live once.
- Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe: A creamy classic the whole fam will inhale.
If you’re needing more inspiration, sometimes just poking around Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipes helps break the rut.
Common Questions
How do I reheat Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Pop a slice in the microwave or toss the whole pan in the oven at about 350°F until it’s bubbly again. Cover loosely so it doesn’t dry out.
What’s the best cheese for this?
Personally, I go with sharp cheddar, but any melty cheese works. Some folks even sprinkle in a little pepper jack for extra kick.
Can I use any pasta besides spaghetti?
Definitely. If you’re out of spaghetti, grab linguine or even penne. The kids once asked for macaroni noodles, and you know what—they were right on with that one.
My casserole seems dry. What happened?
Usually, it needs a bit more creamy soup or maybe a splash of milk. Next time, check before baking. Or just sneak in some extra cheese (always works).
Is it spicy?
Usually not, unless you add jalapeños or spicy cheese. Totally customizable to the crowd.
Dinner’s never boring with this Southern classic
Honestly, you don’t have to be from the South to love Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It solves that “what’s for dinner” mystery, feeds everyone (without complaints), and doubles up for those unpredictable nights when you forgot to shop. If you want to get creative, substitute or add in what you like, or check out this Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti – Southern Bite for a different spin. And hey, for more kitchen inspiration and ideas, don’t be shy about exploring cheesy ground beef stroganoff pasta casserole or other crowd-pleasing dishes over at Nevaeh Recipes. Give this one a shot. It’s not just dinner. It’s a five-star meal—without ever having to leave your kitchen. 
Print
Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A warm, bubbly casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, spaghetti, and loads of cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup green chiles (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the cheese.
- Add in optional diced tomatoes and green chiles if using.
- Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. It can also be frozen before baking for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg