It’s a Keeper: My Go-To Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

It’s funny how some dishes just have a way of sticking around, isn’t it? For me, it’s definitely this poppy seed chicken casserole. My youngest, bless her heart, is one of the pickiest eaters I know. So when she asked me to make “that creamy chicken thing with the crunchy stuff on top” again, I knew I had a winner.

I’ve tweaked this creamy poppy seed chicken casserole recipe over the years to make it just right for my family. What started as a potluck staple has become a regular on our dinner table. The creamy filling with the savory, crunchy topping? It’s irresistible!

This poppy seed chicken casserole is simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for a Sunday supper. If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, this is it. I’m excited to share my baked chicken casserole with you. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting poppy seed chicken casserole. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you can find at any grocery store.

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I usually bake chicken breasts ahead of time or use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup: This forms the base of our creamy sauce.
1 cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tanginess and richness to the chicken casserole recipe.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Helps keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
2 tablespoons poppy seeds: These little seeds are key to that distinctive flavor.
1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed: I like Ritz crackers for their buttery flavor, but any similar cracker will do.
1/2 cup melted butter: This gets mixed with the crushed crackers to create a golden, crunchy topping for our easy chicken casserole recipe.

Ingredients for poppy seed chicken casserole, including chicken, soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, crackers, and butter.

For the best poppy seed chicken casserole, I recommend using good quality sour cream and mayonnaise. It really does make a difference in the final taste. I also suggest tasting the chicken mixture before adding it to the baking dish and adjusting the seasonings to your liking. My family prefers when I add a dash of garlic powder and onion powder.

You’ll find everything for this poppy seed chicken casserole at your regular grocery store, usually in the baking aisle. This poppy seed chicken casserole is forgiving if you need to swap out the crackers for breadcrumbs, but I really do think the buttery crackers are what makes this dish so special. Trust me, this poppy seed chicken casserole ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!

How to Make It

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make this easy poppy seed chicken casserole, step by step. It’s so simple, even on a busy weeknight!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the baked chicken casserole cooks evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and poppy seeds. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful base of your poppy seed chicken casserole.
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly so that the poppy seed chicken casserole bakes uniformly.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This creates that irresistible crunchy topping for your poppy seed casserole.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture. Try to cover the entire surface to get that perfect golden crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. You’ll know your poppy seed chicken casserole is ready when the topping is nicely browned and the filling is heated through.
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps the poppy seed chicken casserole set up a bit.

This easy chicken casserole recipe typically takes me about 35 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this poppy seed chicken casserole cooks. Don’t worry if your poppy seed chicken casserole looks a little uneven before baking. It all evens out in the oven!

Here’s where I used to mess up my poppy seed chicken casserole. Now I always remember to grease the baking dish really well to prevent sticking. While your poppy seed chicken casserole is cooking, you’ll have time to whip up a quick side salad or steam some veggies. This baked chicken casserole is great because most of the time is hands off while it’s in the oven.

Serving Ideas

Serving this poppy seed chicken casserole is always a joy because I know everyone will love it! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this creamy chicken casserole.

My family loves it served with a simple green salad. The crispness of the lettuce and the light vinaigrette provide a nice contrast to the richness of the poppy seed chicken casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also great choices.

This baked chicken casserole is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s always a hit, and it’s so easy to transport. I like to sprinkle a little extra crushed crackers on top just before serving to make it look extra special.

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they are delicious the next day. Just store the poppy seed chicken casserole in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven. You can also add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise when reheating to keep it moist.

We’ve also tried a few variations over the years. Adding a layer of cooked broccoli florets under the chicken mixture is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. You can also use different types of soup, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a slightly different flavor.

Everyone reaches for seconds when this poppy seed chicken casserole comes out with a crisp green salad and some warm rolls. This easy chicken casserole recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! I often serve this with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. The best part? Clean up is a breeze!

Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about making poppy seed chicken casserole. I hope these answers help you feel confident in your kitchen!

Can I make this poppy seed chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the poppy seed chicken casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. I actually find that the flavors meld together even better when made ahead.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup for my poppy seed chicken casserole?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You can also make your own cream sauce from scratch using chicken broth, milk, and flour, but that will add a bit more time to the recipe.

How do I store leftover poppy seed chicken casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise when reheating can help keep it from drying out.

Can I freeze this poppy seed chicken casserole?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the sour cream and mayonnaise may change slightly. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What kind of crackers work best for the topping?

I prefer buttery crackers like Ritz, but any similar cracker will work. You can also use breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. My family loves it when I use a mix of buttery crackers and parmesan cheese for the topping.

Can I add vegetables to this poppy seed chicken casserole?

Definitely! Cooked broccoli, peas, carrots, or green beans are all great additions. Just add them to the chicken mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.

How do I prevent the cracker topping from burning?

If you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning while still allowing the filling to heat through. This tip is helpful for this easy chicken casserole recipe.

I hope these tips help you make the best poppy seed chicken casserole ever!

The Final Word

This poppy seed chicken casserole has definitely earned its place in my recipe collection. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s just plain delicious. I love that it’s versatile enough to be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs.

My poppy seed chicken casserole Tips:

Don’t skimp on the butter for the topping! It’s what makes it so golden and crunchy.
Taste and adjust the seasonings. A little garlic powder or onion powder can really enhance the flavor.
Grease the baking dish well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

I’ve tried several variations of this recipe over the years. One of our favorites is adding a can of drained diced tomatoes to the chicken mixture for a slightly tangy flavor. Another variation is using a different type of cheese on top of the cracker topping, like cheddar or mozzarella. My oldest loves when I add a layer of cooked rice to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the chicken mixture.

I hope you and your family love this easy poppy seed chicken casserole as much as we do. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and experiment with different variations.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special Sunday dinner, this poppy seed chicken casserole is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try and create some meal memories with your family!

And if you are looking for other easy chicken recipes check out this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. You might also like this Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe! Or maybe even this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole!

This easy chicken casserole recipe is sure to please, so let’s get cooking! Enjoy this delightful Poppy Seed Chicken! Happy cooking and bon appétit!

poppy seed chicken casserole

Print Recipe

This creamy and comforting Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a classic dish that’s easy to make. Tender chicken is coated in a creamy sauce, topped with poppy seeds and buttery crackers, and baked to golden perfection.

Author: Lyra Saint
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. Mix well.
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the cracker topping.