Print

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Poppy seed chicken casserole baked in a white 9x13 dish with golden buttery cracker topping fresh from the oven
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Loaded with tender chunks of chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and a crunchy buttered cracker topping, this old-fashioned poppy seed chicken casserole is true comfort food ready in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can, undiluted)
  • 1.5 cups sour cream
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
  • 2 cups crushed round buttery crackers such as Ritz (about 1 sleeve)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (half a stick), melted
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Cooked white rice, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside of a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in the chopped cooked chicken until every piece is evenly coated in the sauce.
  4. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer using a spatula.
  5. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds until fully combined and the crackers are coated.
  6. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture without pressing it down.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve plain or over cooked white rice.

Notes

  • Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or condensed cheddar cheese soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup.
  • Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or baked chicken thighs all work great in this recipe.
  • Do not add the cracker topping if assembling ahead of time. Add it just before baking to keep the topping crunchy and golden.
  • Add leftover vegetables like corn, peas, or mushrooms to bulk up the filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buttery crackers and a gluten-free condensed soup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/poppy-seed-chicken-casserole/