Description
This Creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, flavored with nutty poppy seeds, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9-inch baking dish or an 11×7-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, then spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if desired.
- For a crispy topping, feel free to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Adding a cup of steamed broccoli or green beans can boost nutrition and add color.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
