poppy seed chicken casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
poppy seed chicken casserole recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best poppy seed chicken casserole recipe

I’ve been making poppy seed chicken casserole for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The recipe originated from my mother-in-law, who brought it to our family gatherings when I first met her. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy poppy seeds, and creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, this casserole is my go-to solution. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the chicken breasts. I like to use organic, free-range chicken for the best flavor and texture. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dish.

I also appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions like holidays and birthdays. As a busy mom of three, I appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together. It’s a great way to get a nutritious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

The recipe makes six servings, so it’s perfect for our family of five or when we have guests over. One of the best things about poppy seed chicken casserole is its health benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins.

The sauce is made with low-fat cream and Greek yogurt for a rich, creamy taste without all the calories.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

4.5 from 1060 votes

A creamy, comforting chicken casserole with a crunchy poppy seed and buttery cracker topping. This easy baked dish combines tender chicken with a rich sour cream and cream of chicken sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
4Stir until everything is well blended and the chicken is evenly coated.
5Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed crackers, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
7Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
8Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
9Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10The casserole will be hot and the topping crisp.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Works

This poppy seed chicken casserole is always a good idea for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a holiday gathering. It is reliable, easy to make, and pleases just about everyone.

For storage, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze the unbaked casserole for later. To reheat, use the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes to restore the crispy topping, or microwave individual servings for a quick lunch.

Serve it with a side of green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal. Whether you are feeding your own family or bringing a dish to share, this casserole works beautifully and always gets compliments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re short on time or prefer not to cook raw chicken from scratch. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole.

Q: What if I don’t have poppy seeds? Can I substitute with another ingredient?

A: While poppy seeds are an essential component of this recipe, you can omit them if you don’t have them on hand or prefer not to use them due to their distinctive flavor and texture.

Q: How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

A: You can store this casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days without significant loss of flavor or texture.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole for later use?

A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months without affecting its quality or nutritional value.

Q: Do I need any special equipment for making this recipe?

A: You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole.

Similar Posts