Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving true comfort food that brings everyone to the table, look no further than Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole. This creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying bake is the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends. With juicy chicken, a rich sauce, and that signature buttery cracker topping, it’s a weeknight hero and potluck favorite that never disappoints. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this casserole promises delicious, crowd-pleasing results every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is such a breeze, and each component truly makes the dish shine. From the savory chicken to the delightful poppy seeds and crispy topping, every item plays a role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture.

• Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any cooked chicken works beautifully for a juicy, protein-packed casserole base.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This creamy shortcut adds richness and ties all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
• Sour cream (1 cup): For extra tang and creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want to lighten things up.
• Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient that brings a subtle nutty crunch and makes this casserole uniquely special.
• Buttery crackers (1 cup, crushed): Ritz or similar crackers create that crave-worthy, golden topping everyone loves.
• Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded, optional): For a hint of gooey, cheesy goodness—feel free to add if you’re a cheese fan.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Helps the cracker topping bake up crisp and flavorful.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, savory kick to the creamy filling.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbiness for a pretty finish.

How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a dab of butter—this makes serving and cleanup much easier later on.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, shredded cheddar (if you’re using it), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is totally uniform and looks creamy with little flecks of poppy seeds throughout.

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Scoop the creamy chicken filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This step is all about creating a smooth, even layer so every bite has plenty of that delicious filling.

Step 4: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, toss your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated. This ensures the topping bakes up golden, crispy, and flavorful—don’t be shy with the butter!

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling hot and the topping is perfectly golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like a fresh, colorful touch, then serve warm and enjoy the cozy, classic flavors of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.

How to Serve Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley is a simple but effective garnish, adding bright green color and a touch of freshness. You could also try sliced green onions or a light dusting of extra poppy seeds for an eye-catching finish that highlights the star ingredient.

Side Dishes

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is delicious alongside fluffy white rice, buttery egg noodles, or a crisp green salad. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli rounds out the meal with extra veggies and color—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the casserole mixture into individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—great for dinner parties or potlucks. You can also serve it over baked potatoes or inside warm, crusty bread bowls for a truly comforting and unique presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the next-day servings extra tasty.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil or a lid, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though the cracker topping will be softer—still delicious!

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient option and works well in this recipe. Just drain it thoroughly and fluff with a fork before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Is there a gluten-free version of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?

Yes! Swap regular cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Double-check all ingredient labels to keep the casserole gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes since the casserole will be cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this casserole. It offers a similar creamy texture and a slight tang, with a bit less fat and more protein.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Stir in a cup of cooked broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms along with the chicken mixture. It’s a great way to boost nutrition and color without sacrificing the classic flavor of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and downright tasty dinner, I can’t recommend Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole enough. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and cheer to any table, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular favorite in your home too.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole made with shredded chicken, sour cream, and poppy seeds, topped with a buttery cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. This easy casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or a green salad.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Topping

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cheddar cheese if using. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until the crackers are fully coated. This will create a crispy, flavorful topping.
5. Add the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of rice, noodles, or green salad.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Serve the casserole with rice, noodles, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 85mg