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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

A comforting family favorite casserole with tender chicken, creamy layers, and a crunchy poppy seed topping, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded into large pieces Choose high-quality, organic chicken if possible for the best flavor.
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced A little sweetness from the onion complements the creaminess beautifully.
  • 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup Look for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • 16 oz sour cream Full-fat will yield the richest flavor, but you can substitute the lower-fat variety if preferred.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds These little seeds elevate the dish, providing a subtle crunch and flavor.
  • ½ tsp salt Adjust based on your taste and other salty ingredients in the dish.
  • ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper Freshly ground is always best.
  • ½ cup butter, melted For that irresistible, rich flavor.
  • 1½ sleeves Ritz or other buttery crackers, crushed These create that deliciously crunchy topping!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Gently fold in the shredded chicken and finely diced onion until they are well coated with the creamy mixture.
  4. Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.
  5. Grab a zip-top bag and place the Ritz crackers inside. Crush them using a rolling pin or your hands until they are a fine crumb.
  6. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker topping.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
  9. Serve warm on its own or over fluffy white or wild rice.

Notes

For those moments when you want to impress, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley as a garnish before serving. Allow the casserole to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.