Name: Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti pasta; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 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); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (divided into 8 ounces for casserole mixture and 4 ounces for topping)

If you’re craving that ultimate comfort food with a little Southern soul, you’re going to love this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness and that wonderful melty baked top. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time, and honestly, it feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re making dinner for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to pull together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Comfort: This bake packs all the nostalgic flavors you expect in Southern cooking—rich, creamy, and hearty.
Easy to Prep: Honestly, you can prep much of it ahead of time and then just bake when you’re ready to eat.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, especially when it comes out of the oven all bubbly and cheesy.
Versatile and forgiving: You can swap ingredients and still get a delicious result – perfect for busy weeknights.

The image shows a close-up of a large white plate filled with creamy spaghetti mixed with shredded chicken pieces and small bits of green and red bell peppers. The pasta is coated in a light yellowish creamy sauce with some cheese sprinkled on top, creating a soft texture with scattered bright colors. A golden spoon is partially visible on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is another white bowl with a similar dish, placed on a folded dark blue cloth on a wooden surface, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, Southern chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, hearty Southern comfort food, easy chicken spaghetti recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe works together to create that creamy, cheesy, and savory balance that stands out. When shopping, look for good quality chicken and fresh veggies to elevate the flavor even more.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked golden spaghetti noodles, two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with subtle sheen, a few bright green celery stalks chopped into small pieces in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with chopped white onion, a small white bowl containing chopped vibrant green and red bell pepper pieces, a small white bowl of thick creamy sour cream, a small white bowl with golden olive oil glistening, a small white bowl holding pale chicken broth, a small white bowl of smooth condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of creamy condensed cream of celery soup, a small white bowl with bright orange shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, a whole uncracked brown egg resting nearby, and a small white bowl with fine white salt, another small white bowl with coarse black peppercorns, plus a small white bowl with light beige garlic powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, Southern chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, hearty Southern comfort food, easy chicken spaghetti recipe

Spaghetti pasta: Classic spaghetti noodles hold up well without getting mushy, making the perfect base.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts also work fine—just don’t overcook them.
Oil (canola, vegetable, or olive): Used to sauté the veggies and bring out their sweetness.
Chopped celery: Adds subtle crunch and freshness.
Chopped onion: For that savory depth.
Chopped green and/or red bell pepper: Gives a mild sweetness and a pop of color.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that makes it rich and homely.
Condensed cream of celery soup: Adds body and a touch of earthiness.
Garlic powder: For that warm, savory punch.
Sour cream: This surprise addition keeps it extra creamy and tangy.
Chicken broth (unsalted): Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded): Lots of melty cheese is the highlight here; sharp cheese adds a nice kick.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to make all the flavors pop.

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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

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is a keeper, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! I’ve found that small tweaks can make it feel brand new each time you make it.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when sautéing your veggies to bring a little heat—my husband loves this twist.
Cheese Swap: Sometimes I use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Veggie Boost: Throw in mushrooms or spinach for an extra nutritional boost without losing that creamy texture.
Gluten-Free: Swap spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and it’s just as delicious.

How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. I like to bake my chicken covered with foil in a lightly greased dish for about 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165ºF. If you’re short on time, boiling the chicken breasts or thighs in a pot of water until cooked through works just as well. Just be sure to let the chicken cool a bit before shredding with two forks — this is one of those little “I discovered this trick” moments that makes shredding so much easier and less messy!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Make That Creamy Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, chop up your onions, celery, and bell peppers. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, then toss in the veggies. Cook them about 15 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant — this slow sauté really brings out their natural sweetness which balances the rich sauce. After that, stir in the chicken broth, cream of chicken and cream of celery soups, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the sour cream. Let everything cook together uncovered for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors before folding in the shredded chicken and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Lower the heat to keep it warm while you cook the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti and Assemble

Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (usually around 9 minutes). Drain the pasta and toss it lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then add the cooked pasta and the creamy chicken-veggie mixture. Use tongs or large forks to combine everything evenly—this is where the magic happens! Stir in the remaining shredded cheese, then top with a little extra cheese for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Cheese is Melted

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350ºF for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. When I first tried this, I thought it might dry out, but the sour cream really helps keep everything moist and luscious in the bake. After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving — it helps everything settle and makes it easier to portion out.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Use Thighs for Juiciness: Boneless thighs stay tender and flavorful; breasts can dry out if overcooked.
Don’t Skip Sautéing Veggies: This step unlocks sweetness and depth you won’t get if you toss them straight into the bake.
Let the Bake Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking helps it set up and slice cleanly.
Add Cheese in Layers: Mixing some cheese into the sauce and adding some on top guarantees that gooey, cheesy bliss in every bite.

How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A close-up of a white ceramic baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake, showing thin spaghetti mixed with melted yellow-orange cheese scattered throughout, small bits of red and green bell peppers, and pieces of white chicken. The top layer is a mix of melted cheese and pasta with a soft and stretchy texture. A spoon is scooping a portion from the bottom right corner, revealing a dense layer of pasta and chicken beneath the surface. Part of the dish is served on a white rectangular plate next to the baking dish. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, Southern chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, hearty Southern comfort food, easy chicken spaghetti recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling bold, a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs amazingly well with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Sometimes I serve it with warm crusty bread to scoop up every bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins which makes for a charming presentation and perfect personal portions. You can also top with breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a crunchy crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, though the pasta may soak up some sauce. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if it seems dry.

Freezing

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe freezes really well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 325ºF covered with foil to avoid drying out, reheating until warmed through—usually 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave single portions with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, though the oven gives better texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they can dry out if overcooked. To prevent this, keep an eye on the cooking time and consider poaching or baking covered to retain moisture. Shredding cooked chicken ensures it blends well into the dish.
Is there a good substitute for the canned cream soups?

You can make your own cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream if you prefer. This option reduces processed ingredients but will slightly change the texture and flavor. Using cream of mushroom as a variation can also add a nice earthy flavor.
Can I prepare this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This makes dinner super easy on busy days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheating in the oven at a lower temperature (around 325ºF) with the dish covered helps maintain moisture. If using a microwave, cover the portion loosely and add a small splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s that perfect blend of comfort and flavor that makes everyone feel right at home. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again — it’s that reliable, delicious, and downright satisfying. Plus, it’s a total family pleaser—so gather around, dive in, and enjoy some good old-fashioned Southern comfort food.