Poppy Seed Chicken is a classic and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish features tender chicken breasts mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, and sprinkled with poppy seeds for a subtle crunch. Serve it over rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 5 cups chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (or shredded)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 1/2 rolls of crackers)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Optional: 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the cubed or shredded chicken in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. For a complete meal in one, you can layer cooked rice on the bottom of the dish before adding the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream. If you wish to add additional flavorings, see the notes below. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish. Finish by sprinkling the poppy seeds on top if using.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the casserole plain or over cooked rice. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with steamed broccoli and mixing it all together for a delicious combination.
Tips
- Flavor Variations: For added flavor, you can mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a teaspoon of garlic powder, or a teaspoon of onion powder into the sauce mixture.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the sauce before adding the cracker topping for an extra cheesy version.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or spinach under the chicken for additional nutrients and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious Poppy Seed Chicken casserole!
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