Name: Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup); 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup milk; ½ cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

This Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken, a creamy sauce with a hint of poppy seed flavor, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping come together in this easy-to-assemble casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient: This casserole is incredibly easy to assemble with just a few simple ingredients, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping creates a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for the whole family.
Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole with different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole:

Cooked chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds a creamy base and a classic flavor. You can substitute with a homemade cream sauce if desired.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
Butter: Melted, adds richness and flavor.
Poppy seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of texture.
Ritz crackers: Crushed, for a buttery and crunchy topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, and poppy seeds. Stir until well combined and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top to create a crunchy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.

Step 3: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the chicken and cheese, the better the flavor of the casserole.
Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as chopped vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs and spices.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How to Serve Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Main Course: This Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Potluck Dish: It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?

Yes, you can use other types of crackers, such as buttery crackers or even crushed cornflakes.

Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients, such as chopped vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs and spices.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and bake it the next day.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers for the topping.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!