A Cheesy, Crunchy, and Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Bake
Kitchies! If there’s one dish that brings everyone to the table, it’s this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken in a velvety sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish!
What makes this casserole so special? It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something comforting, this dish delivers every time. The combination of creamy chicken, nutty poppy seeds, and a golden, crispy Ritz cracker topping makes it simply irresistible.
Best of all? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this family-favorite classic. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Super easy to make – just mix, top, and bake!
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for meal prep – freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Crispy, buttery topping – adds the perfect crunch.
- Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken!
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but delicious!)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, poppy seeds, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Scoop out generous portions and serve warm! It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or even fluffy rice.
Tips for the Best Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For extra crunch, mix in a handful of slivered almonds with the topping.
- Want it cheesier? Add an extra ½ cup of cheese to the creamy mixture.
- Like a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the protein: Use turkey, shredded pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free sour cream, soup, and butter alternatives.
- Change the soup: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a twist.
- Use different crackers: Swap Ritz for crushed Cornflakes or Panko for extra crunch!
Make a Healthier Version
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
- Swap out the crackers for whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Reduce the butter by using olive oil or an avocado oil spray.
- Use low-fat cheese or skip it altogether.
And There You Have It!
A warm, creamy, and crunchy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s a true comfort food classic, perfect for busy nights or make-ahead meals. Give it a try, and don’t forget to check out our other casserole recipes for more cozy dinner ideas!
Relevant Categories
- Casseroles
- Comfort Food
- Chicken Dinners
- Easy Weeknight Meals
Tags:
#PoppySeedChicken #ComfortFood #EasyCasserole #FamilyDinner #CheesyGoodness
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Make a homemade version by combining 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon flour to thicken.
4. Can I use fresh broccoli or other veggies?
Yes! Add chopped broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the creamy mixture before baking.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Add the cracker topping in the last 30 minutes.
Enjoy your Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, and happy cooking! 🍽️
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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Description
If there’s one dish that brings everyone to the table, it’s this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken in a velvety sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but delicious!)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, poppy seeds, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Scoop out generous portions and serve warm! It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or even fluffy rice.
