Irresistible Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe to Try

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the delightful allure of poppy seed chicken casserole. Imagine tender chicken mingling with creamy sauce and a crunchy topping that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a warm hug in a baking dish, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Growing up, this casserole was a staple at our family dinners, always drawing oohs and aahs from relatives who claimed they had never tasted anything quite like it. The aroma wafting through the house would build anticipation, making every bite feel like an event worth celebrating.

I remember one Thanksgiving when I brought this dish to my sister’s house. Everyone was raving about it so much that I didn’t get a single bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best here; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves; they deliver the best flavor in this recipe.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: This acts as the base of your sauce; choose a brand you love.

• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang; don’t skimp here for maximum flavor.

• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and are essential in the dish’s name!

• Ritz Crackers: Crushed on top for that buttery crunch; consider using gluten-free if necessary.

• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cracker crumbs together while adding richness to the dish.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing chicken flavor.

• Onion Powder: A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing savory notes without overwhelming your dish.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground offers better flavor than pre-ground; season according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make poppy seed chicken casserole

Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking once we pop the casserole in.

Prepare the chicken: Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in boiling water for about 15 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Shred the meat: Once cooled slightly, shred those succulent chicken breasts using two forks or your hands—whatever feels right! Aim for bite-sized pieces.

Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic cloves, onion powder, poppy seeds, and black pepper. Stir until well blended; trust me—the aroma will have you swooning.

Combine everything: Add shredded chicken into the mixture and stir gently until each piece is coated with that creamy goodness. No chicken left behind!

Prepare topping: Crush Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and mix them with melted butter in another bowl. This will create that irresistible crunchy topping everyone loves!

Assemble: Pour everything into a greased baking dish. Spread out evenly before sprinkling cracker crumbs across the top—don’t be shy!

Bake: Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve hot: Allow it to cool slightly before diving in so you don’t burn your tongue! Pair it with steamed veggies or salad for balance.

Enjoy every bite of this poppy seed chicken casserole that combines comfort with flavor!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly before mixing it into the creamy sauce. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to ensure even baking later on.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best results.

I remember the first time I served this poppy seed chicken casserole at a family gathering; everyone was asking for seconds and thirds!

FAQ

What can I serve with poppy seed chicken casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad for balance.

Can I make poppy seed chicken casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and bake it just before serving.

Is there a vegetarian option for poppy seed chicken casserole?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas mixed with your favorite veggies.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery crunch that creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to impress with every bite!

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil chicken breasts in salted water for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion powder, poppy seeds, and black pepper until blended.
4. Stir in shredded chicken until well coated.
5. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in another bowl.
6. Pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish and top with cracker crumbs.
7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 75mg