This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a creamy and comforting casserole made with tender chicken, a buttery sauce, and topped with crunchy poppy seeds for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this poppy seed chicken casserole brings together creamy, savory flavors with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s simple to prepare with pantry staples, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Plus, the poppy seeds add a touch of elegance to an otherwise classic comfort food.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until smooth.
Add the shredded chicken to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Vegetable Additions: Stir in steamed broccoli or frozen peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the chicken mixture or the topping.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
Herb Upgrade: Mix in some fresh parsley or thyme for a more aromatic dish.
Protein Options: Substitute turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. The topping may lose some crispness upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.
Can I freeze poppy seed chicken casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as written.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice to balance the creamy richness.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Certainly! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as substitutes for cream of chicken soup.
Conclusion
This poppy seed chicken casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. It’s a versatile, comforting dish that works for weeknights, potlucks, or special family meals. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I do!
📖 Recipe:
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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy poppy seed chicken casserole combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This comforting dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Add steamed vegetables (like broccoli or peas) for more nutrients.
Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Use gluten-free crackers and cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
