Name: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz); 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re in the mood for pure comfort food, bursting with creamy richness and a delightfully crunchy golden topping, look no further than Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole. This beloved classic is my ultimate go-to when I want something easy, homey, and satisfying to share with my family (or to enjoy all to myself on a cozy night in). With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick assembly, you’ll have a bubbling casserole loaded with savory chicken and a buttery cracker crust that’s impossible to resist.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole works its magic to create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Every item in this recipe serves a special purpose, from the shortcut soup and tangy creaminess to the iconic poppy seeds and that buttery, crunchy finish.

Cooked chicken: Use shredded or cubed chicken for juicy, tender bites that soak up all the creamy goodness; rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
Cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple binds everything together with a luscious, savory base that’s all about comfort.
Sour cream: Adds tangy richness and lightens up the casserole without making it too heavy.
Poppy seeds: The star ingredient that adds a subtle nutty crunch and an unmistakable speckled look to the casserole.
Buttery round crackers: Crushed Ritz or similar crackers give the topping a crispy, decadent bite that complements the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cracker crumbs and ensures a golden, buttery finish on top.
Garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic flavor infuses the filling without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and a bit of warmth to the creamy filling.

How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it has time to get nice and hot—this is the secret to getting that famously bubbly and golden casserole top. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking and to make serving later a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until thoroughly blended—the mixture should look creamy and speckled with poppy seeds. Mixing well ensures every bite of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole will be bursting with flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Transfer your creamy chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the filling is smooth and covered from edge to edge. This even layer helps the topping stay crisp and makes for beautiful, tidy servings.

Step 4: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

Crush your buttery crackers by sealing them in a zip-top bag and gently rolling with a rolling pin, or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Mix the crumbs in a small bowl with the melted butter until every piece is glistening. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the chicken mixture to form a thick, golden layer—that’s the signature of an irresistible Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’re looking for a topping that’s golden brown and filling that’s bubbly around the edges. Once ready, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for just a few minutes before serving, so the creamy filling can set to the perfect scoopable texture.

How to Serve Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Dress up your Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. The vibrant green adds color and a fresh, herby aroma that pairs beautifully with the creamy base. For a zesty twist, a little bit of lemon zest on top can really wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is pure comfort on its own, but it absolutely loves good company! Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls or fluffy rice on the side are perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, spoon the casserole filling into individual ramekins for personal servings or bake it in a deep-dish pie plate for a rustic, homestyle presentation. For potlucks, you can portion it into muffin tins lined with crackers for easy, handheld bites. However you serve it, Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole always brings a smile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crackers will soften a bit, but a quick reheat in the oven brings back some of that beloved crunch.

Freezing

This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. You can also freeze leftover baked casserole, though the texture is best when frozen before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. To crisp the cracker topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. For smaller portions, individual servings can be microwaved, though the topping will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup both work great and will slightly alter the flavor. Choose what you love or whatever you have on hand for your own twist on Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap the regular crackers for a gluten-free variety, and use a gluten-free cream soup. With those two changes, your Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole will be safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of cooked rice, frozen peas, or thawed broccoli florets for extra heartiness and nutrition. These add-ins make the casserole even more filling and sneak in some color, too.

What’s the best way to crush the crackers for the topping?

My favorite method is to put the crackers in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin to your desired texture. If you love a chunkier topping, leave some larger pieces; for a fine crumb, crush them more thoroughly.

Can I assemble Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if placing it in the oven straight from the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole has been a staple on family tables for generations—it’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and just ridiculously tasty! If you haven’t made it yet, I hope you’ll give this comforting classic a try soon. Once you take that first creamy, buttery bite, it might just steal a spot among your all-time favorite casseroles!

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping make this casserole a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

For the Topping:

1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and black pepper. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: Crush the crackers and mix them with melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping. Serve warm.