Description

This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining shredded chicken, a tangy sour cream and mayonnaise base, and a crunchy poppy seed-cracker topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Chicken Mixture

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1 tablespoon poppy seeds
2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (or your choice of crackers)
1/4 cup melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Prepare the casserole filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated cheddar cheese (if using). Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Add the poppy seeds and stir until all the crackers are coated evenly with butter.
Top the casserole: Sprinkle the buttered cracker and poppy seed topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers or crushed buttery breadcrumbs.
Optional ingredients like Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese add extra flavor but can be omitted for a more classic taste.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crunchiness of the topping.
For a lower-fat version, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
If you want extra crunch, add more poppy seeds or double the cracker topping.