Description
This comforting Poppy Seed Chicken casserole features tender shredded chicken in a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker and poppy seed crust. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for family dinners and can be served over hot white rice. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it is creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Filling
- 10 oz. cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- Cooked white rice (as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken condensed soup, sour cream, and cooked shredded chicken. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Bake the Filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Topping: While the casserole is baking, toss the crushed Ritz crackers and poppy seeds together in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and stir well until all the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Take the casserole out of the oven after 20 minutes. Evenly sprinkle the cracker and poppy seed topping over the chicken mixture. Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the poppy seed chicken hot, spooned over cooked white rice. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include salt, pepper, or white rice.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or prep shredded chicken ahead of time for busy nights.
- The filling measurements are forgiving; adjust soup and sour cream to your preference for a thicker or creamier consistency.
- For added nutrition and flavor, mix in vegetables like canned corn, peas, or a bag of frozen mixed veggies (partially steamed) to the filling.
- Crush the crackers while still in their sleeves or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (without rice)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
