Poppy Seed Chicken
53 Comments
Posted: 09/25/24
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Poppy Seed Chicken is a classic casserole recipe that has creamy chicken, a buttery Ritz Cracker topping and it’s so easy to make. It’s the perfect hearty dinner recipe that will have you reaching for more.
One-dish poppy seed chicken is an easy comfort food classic for busy families. It’s so delicious that even the pickiest eaters love it. It has the most creamy filling with tender chicken chunks and is an excellent protein source. And the complimentary crunch of a buttery cracker topping makes it a real crowd pleaser.
I’m always looking for quick, easy, and tasty dishes. This one can be made ahead and travels so well that I’ve taken it to many family events and neighborhood dinners. Everything can be easily halved for just two people too. But why not make the whole recipe, divide it into two dishes, and freeze one for later? I’m always relieved when I remember, during a crazy on-the-run week, that I have a poppy seed chicken in the freezer. Casseroles like taco casserole and this poppy seed chicken are totally a life-saver!
Why You’ll Love Poppy Seed Chicken
- Got a crazy week ahead? Poppy Seed Chicken is one of the best make-ahead recipes I’ve found. I usually assemble it a day early and pop it in the fridge until heating time.
- This dish is made with easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly for a hearty family meal with little clean-up.
- Reheating is a snap. Place it in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 F. Don’t forget to cover with foil to keep moisture in. For single servings, try the microwave. Reheat for a minute, stir, and then heat in 30-second increments until you reach an adequate serving temperature.
Ingredients for Poppy Seed Chicken
- Chicken breasts – Use boneless skinless chicken breast to make this delicious poppy seed chicken casserole.
- Sour cream – This adds a nice little tangy flavor and creamy texture to your poppy seed chicken recipe.
- Cream of chicken soup – Feel free to use cream of mushroom or another “cream of” soup to make the most creamy sauce.
- Ritz crackers – Crush up some Ritz to make the most buttery and flakey crust on the top of this casserole.
- Butter – Melt some salted or unsalted butter to help bring the topping ingredients together.
- Poppy seeds – Poppy seeds are the perfect finishing touch to this easy recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce – I love the flavor that Worcestershire sauce brings to poppy seed chicken.
- Celery salt – Season the creamy sauce with a bit of celery salt.
- Minced garlic – Use freshly minced garlic to add bold flavor to this creamy casserole.
- Lemon juice – Cut through the creamy mixture with a bit of lemon juice.
- Black pepper – Add a bit of warmth to this recipe with some black pepper.
Helpful Tools
How To Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Prepare Chicken – Place 4 boneless breasts, or chicken of your choice, in boiling water for 20 minutes. Or bake for 20 minutes on a sheet pan at 400 F or until juices run clear.
Combine Filling – In a mixing bowl, combine soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pepper. Stir ingredients together.
Assemble Casserole – Place the chicken in a greased 9 x 13 pan and then spread the sauce over chicken to cover it.
Make Buttery Cracker Topping – Melt butter in a medium pan on the stovetop or in a microwaveable bowl. Add crushed crackers and poppy seeds. Mix together and spread over chicken and sauce.
Bake – Place the casserole dish in the oven at 350 F. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
How to Store Leftover Poppy Seed Chicken
I usually store this chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days, whether I’m saving an entire casserole I’ve made ahead of time or keeping leftovers in airtight plastic containers.
You can also freeze this casserole! Simply cover tightly with foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to use it, remove from freezer and place in fridge to thaw the day before using. Bake according to directions. It may take 10-15 minutes extra time because it is starting from cold.
How To Reheat!
The easiest way to reheat a smaller portion is to put it on a microwave safe plate and reheat it in the microwave. We recommend starting with one minute and stirring after that. If it’s not heated through microwave in 30 second increments until heated through.
If you have a large amount to reheat preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the leftovers in an oven safe pan and warm in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. We recommend covering it with foil when you reheat it in the oven to keep the moisture in.
How To Cook Chicken Breasts For Chicken Poppyseed Casserole
I like to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, but if you don’t have that then simply place 4 boneless chicken breasts in boiling water and let it boil 20 minutes and then cube. You can also bake at 20 minutes on a sheet pan at 400 degrees F or until the juices run clear.
Can This Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe Be Made Ahead?
Yes, you can prep it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator covered. When ready to bake remove it from the oven while the oven preheats. Then bake as directed in instructions. It make take a few minutes longer because it is cold when you put it in the oven.
Can I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely. Some people like the variation in taste, and it helps use ingredients you already have in your pantry. I’d recommend keeping at least one cream of chicken and subbing only one can to keep the chicken flavor front and center.
What can I add to poppy seed chicken casserole?
There’s lots you can add to this casserole. Cheese in the topping is so yummy! But be sure to add the topping halfway through the baking process, so your cheese doesn’t burn. You can also mix 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or ½ cup parmesan into the casserole if you like.
Broccoli and green peas are a great addition to the filling. You can also use potatoes or carrots, even green beans would be tasty.
Serving Suggestions
My creamy poppy seed chicken is a great stand-alone dish, but peas or broccoli make great pairings too. Offer the veggies as a side when serving, or mix them into the casserole before baking. Again, add a little extra sour cream if adding other ingredients to your casserole.
Another good option is a side salad. Try my delicious pea salad or the yummy crunch of my skinny broccoli slaw for the perfect marriage of vegetables and a side salad.
If you’re in a rush, a quick bagged salad from the grocery store works, too. And don’t forget the bread. Dinner rolls, whether packaged or frozen, work well with this dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole!
- No time to cook chicken? Make life easier by using cooked rotisserie chicken from your local market. Simply throw away the skin, pull the chicken from the bone, and chop.
- Try cutting the chicken into smaller-than-usual bites before placing it in the casserole. The “Littles” at your table will thank you, and this helps the flavors blend together evenly.
- To avoid spills from split cracker paper tubes, place the tube of Ritz into a sturdy zip-lock bag before crushing it. I use a rolling pin, but the smooth side of a meat mallet or garlic press works fine.
More Great Casserole Recipes to Enjoy!
- A classic with the addition of Alfredo sauce make this Baked Spaghetti Casserole a hit every time!
- A creamy mixture of pasta, sauce, chicken and cheese make this Mexican Chicken Casserole so delicious!
- With only 10 minutes of prep time Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the winner on busy weeknights!!
- A favorite comfort food! Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole starts with a creamy vegetable mixture that’s topped with Crescent Rolls!
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
This creamy chicken casserole topped with buttery crackers is a family favorite and easy dinner recipe.
Video
Ingredients
- 5 cups chicken breasts cooked and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz each
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers about 1 1/2 rolls of crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Boil raw chicken breasts for 20 minutes. Let chicken cool slightly and cut into one inch cubes. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Place cubed chicken in prepared casserole dish.
- In a bowl stir together the condensed soup and sour cream. Add the Worcestershire, celery salt, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper to the soup and sour cream mixture. Pour over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, poppy seeds and melted butter. Sprinkle over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until the top of the casserole is browned and the sauce is bubbly. Serve plain or over rice.
Tips
How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Casserole
I like to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, but if you don’t have that I simply place 4 boneless chicken breasts in boiling water and let it boil 20 minutes and then cube. You can also bake at 20 minutes on a sheet pan at 400 degrees F or until the juices run clear.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Simply cover tightly with foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to use it, remove from freezer and place in fridge to thaw the day before using. Bake according to directions. It may take 10-15 minutes extra time because it is starting from cold.
How to Reheat
The easiest way to reheat a smaller portion is to put it on a microwave safe plate and reheat it in the microwave. We recommend starting with one minute and stirring after that. If it’s not heated through microwave in 30 second increments until heated through.
If you have a large amount to reheat preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the leftovers in an oven safe pan and warm in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. We recommend covering it with foil when you reheat it in the oven to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1, Calories: 826kcal (41%), Carbohydrates: 22g (7%), Protein: 66g (132%), Fat: 51g (78%), Saturated Fat: 25g (156%), Cholesterol: 283mg (94%), Sodium: 1030mg (45%), Potassium: 1241mg (35%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 4g (4%), Vitamin A: 1195IU (24%), Vitamin C: 5.8mg (7%), Calcium: 165mg (17%), Iron: 2.8mg (16%)
Meredith says
NOT GREAT but I confess I changed the recipe a little bit. I didn’t have sour cream, so I used Greek yogurt and lemon juice. I don’t like chicken so I replaced with tuna. And my husband works for the government, so I replaced the poppy seeds with almonds. I also changed the ritz crackers with unsalted saltines, and I didn’t use any butter. I also replaced the worchestire sauce with soy sauce because of the tuna.
Rebecca says
bro wtf
Brooke Kill says
My guess is that it didn’t turn out from all the changes you made.
Christi says
You’re giving a review on a recipe that you didn’t make. No offense but those changes make it a completely different dish.
Christi says
Delicious! I’ll be making this again.
Brooke Kill says
yay! I’m happy to hear that Christi!
RENEE J. MELLACE says
my thoughts exactly
Irene Matthews says
Halved this for just 2 people but forgot to halve the Worcestershire sauce. Definitely could taste that, but it was still really good
J says
I tried this exactly as written, and it was pretty good, but the Worcestershire didn’t it for me. It was very obvious in every bite, even in that small amount. I would leave it out next time.
Courtney says
Yes, please adjust as needed for your taste!
Cindy says
The creamy and crunchy textures with the rich taste of this casserole is amazing! It’s going on the family meal regular rotation now!
Courtney says
Always a win when you can add a meal to the dinner rotations!
Wes says
I’ve made other poppy seed chicken recipes, and I bookmarked this one so I made it last night. The worchestershire sauce was overpowering. My son declined to finish his. Think I’ll leave it out next time. Other than that, good recipe.
Courtney says
Yes, please adjust to your tastebuds! Thank you for letting us know.
Alyssa says
This chicken poppyseed casserole seems so easy to make. It’s nice that you can scale it to the size that you need.
Courtney says
It is easy!
Camden Rusincovitch says
This poppy seed chicken looks so good! Do you think we could include vegetables as part of the casserole? Which would you recommend?
Brittany says
This poppyseed chicken is so easy to prep, especially when using the rotisserie chicken!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
Poppy seed Chicken was my FAVORITE as a kid. I am making this one this week for my kids. Some recipes are classics.
Kristen Yard says
I tried this creamy poppy seed chicken recipe and LOVED it! Can you use any other meat, instead of chicken? I wonder how this would be with ham? So yummy on Easter or Thanksgiving!
CB says
Awesome “go-to” recipe!
April says
I thought I would like a slightly different take on chicken poppyseed, but I found the Worcestershire and celery salt too overpowering.
Courtney says
hmmm… Maybe cut the measurements in half for those two items the next time you try it!
Julie says
This was so good! I used rotisserie chicken as suggested and everyone likes it!
Courtney says
So great to hear! Thank you for letting us know you enjoyed this recipe and for commenting on and rating it!
Stephanie says
Oh my gosh- We love this recipe!
I use your homemade cream of chicken soup all the time. [It made this dish a hit, too!]
I will be making it often.
Thanks for another great recipe Julie!
Courtney says
Thank you, Stephanie! You might have to share that homemade cream of chicken soup recipe! 😉