Craving a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that will make everyone at the table smile? Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need. With its rich layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds, this casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, perfect for a family dinner, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole! Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole is the ultimate in cozy, comfort food. The creamy sauce combined with the tender chicken and crispy topping is the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm inside.
Easy to Make: This dish is a breeze to throw together. You can prep everything in advance, and once it’s in the oven, you just wait for the magic to happen. No complicated steps—just pure deliciousness.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making it for a family gathering.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences. Add extra veggies, swap the chicken for another protein, or change up the spices to make it your own.
Leftover Friendly: This casserole makes for amazing leftovers! It reheats well, so you can enjoy it the next day for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A can of cream of chicken soup serves as the creamy base for this dish, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy, creamy texture that balances the richness of the soup.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a lovely crunch and a subtle flavor that elevates the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect melty, gooey topping.
Butter: Melted butter to help create a crispy, golden topping when combined with the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: For that crunchy, golden-brown topping. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on this easy and delicious casserole:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken breasts. You can use boiled, baked, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously crispy topping when baked.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted, and the casserole should be hot throughout.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but here are a few ideas for what to serve with it:
Green Salad: Pair it with a light, fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans make for a perfect side that adds color and nutrition.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of garlic bread to help soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Rice: If you want something a bit more filling, serve with a side of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for busy days.
Add Veggies: Feel free to mix in some vegetables like peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Use Other Soups: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like—mozzarella, Swiss, or a Mexican blend would all work well.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A2: Yes, you can add peas, carrots, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A3: Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Q4: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go.
Q5: How do I make the topping extra crispy?
A5: For an even crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
Q6: Can I freeze the casserole?
A6: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up and freezing.
Q7: How can I make this dish lighter?
A7: You can use lighter versions of the cream of chicken soup and sour cream, or swap the chicken for a leaner protein like turkey.
Q8: Can I make this without poppy seeds?
A8: While poppy seeds are the signature ingredient, you can make the casserole without them if you prefer. It will still be delicious!
Q9: How long do leftovers last?
A9: Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping. It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and guaranteed to be a hit every time. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or for meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish packed with tender chicken, a rich sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 1/2 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped
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1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
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Assemble casserole: Spread cooked chicken evenly in the casserole dish. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken.
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Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole and top with poppy seeds.
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Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
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Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
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Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
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Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Add cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy version.
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Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg