Creamy, Comforting Chicken Bake with Buttery Cracker Topping

Hey Kitchies! 💕
There’s something about Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. This dish has been a staple in Southern kitchens for decades — and once you taste it, you’ll know why. The creamy chicken filling, buttery cracker topping, and subtle crunch of poppy seeds come together in the ultimate comfort food casserole that’s both easy to make and completely crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or prepping it ahead for busy weeknights — this dish will quickly become one of those go-to recipes your family begs for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Creamy, savory, and ultra comforting
✅ Perfect for meal prep + freezer-friendly
✅ Kid-approved with simple pantry ingredients
✅ Classic Southern comfort with a modern twist

How This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Became a Family Favorite 💕
One chilly weeknight, I needed something quick, cozy, and filling — but without a million steps or ingredients. I threw together some shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, and a handful of crackers… and this casserole was born.
By the time it came out of the oven, my husband had already snuck two bites — and the whole pan was gone by the next day. Now it’s our go-to comfort meal for weeknights or when life just feels a little too hectic.

Why This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Deserves a Spot on Your Dinner Table
Rich, creamy chicken filling
Buttery Ritz cracker topping with poppy seeds
Freezer-friendly + perfect for meal prep
No canned soup if you make it from scratch!
Comfort food at its finest

Cuisine:
American | Southern | Comfort Food

Tips for the Best Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken for the easiest shortcut
Add a handful of frozen peas or broccoli to sneak in veggies
Don’t skip the lemon juice — it brightens up the whole dish!
Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for even deeper flavor

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient	Swap For…	Why It Works
Sour Cream	Greek Yogurt	Lighter + protein-packed
Ritz Crackers	Panko Breadcrumbs	Crunchier topping
Chicken Breast	Turkey	Great for holiday leftovers
Cream of Chicken	Cream of Mushroom	Earthier flavor

Make It Healthier 💪

✅ Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
✅ Swap crackers for whole wheat breadcrumbs
✅ Make a homemade cream of chicken soup with chicken broth + Greek yogurt

What to Serve with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

White or Brown Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Garlic Green Beans
Side Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Buttery Dinner Rolls

And there you have it!

A classic Southern dish made even better with a little love and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or bringing this to your next family gathering, this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is pure comfort in every bite.

Save This Recipe for Later 📌

Would you like me to create a Printable Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe Card PDF to download? 💕🥄

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes! Just cook and shred 4 chicken breasts or thighs.

What other crackers can I use?
Club crackers or saltines work too — but Ritz give the best buttery crunch!

Categories:

Dinner | Comfort Food | Casseroles

Tags:

#ChickenCasserole #EasyDinners #ComfortFood #SouthernRecipes

If you make this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, tag us on Instagram so we can see your delicious creation! 📸💛

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

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Author: Victoria

Print Recipe

Description

This dish has been a staple in Southern kitchens for decades — and once you taste it, you’ll know why. The creamy chicken filling, buttery cracker topping, and subtle crunch of poppy seeds come together in the ultimate comfort food casserole that’s both easy to make and completely crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

4 cups cooked + shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade – see below)
1 cup sour cream
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt + pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
2 tbsp poppy seeds
4 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, but adds amazing flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, poppy seeds, and Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Step 4: Serve + Enjoy

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.