Name: Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

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There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a comforting casserole, and Poppy Seed Chicken is the dish that always steals the show at my table. Creamy chicken, a little zing from sour cream, a buttery cracker topping, and poppy seeds for a hint of crunch—every bite is a guaranteed mood-lifter. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a potluck hero, this recipe checks all the boxes for ease, flavor, and pure nostalgia. Let me show you why this hearty favorite is on repeat in my kitchen!

Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s almost magical how a handful of humble ingredients transform into something so memorable. Each component in this Poppy Seed Chicken casserole has a role to play, bringing all the right flavors and textures together. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

Cooked chicken breast (4 cups): Use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached breasts, or even grilled chicken for a boost of flavor and protein.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This is the creamy backbone of your casserole—trust me, it’s essential for that classic, cozy consistency.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds extra tang and richness; swap for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter but still creamy bite.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Subtle flavor that rounds out the filling and gives it warmth.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to bring a savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasoning is key—taste as you go, especially if your chicken is already seasoned.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little bite; feel free to add more to taste if you’re a pepper fan.
Crushed buttery crackers (1 1/2 cups, like Ritz): These add the golden crunch on top—don’t skimp!
Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Richness and real deal flavor for that crumbly topping.
Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient! They bring a mild, nutty flavor and the signature look.

How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Dish & Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—nonstick spray or a little butter works like magic here. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy—this will become the cozy, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Fold your cooked, shredded or cubed chicken into the creamy mixture. Make sure every chunk gets coated—this ensures every bite is moist and full of flavor. Then, gently spread it into your prepared baking dish, leveling the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Mix the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and poppy seeds. Stir until all the crackers are nicely coated and those little poppy seeds are evenly distributed. This topping is what makes Poppy Seed Chicken absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the cracker and poppy seed topping evenly over the chicken mixture. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving so everything sets up perfectly.

How to Serve Poppy Seed Chicken

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds or a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness on top. If you love a sharper flavor, try a handful of sliced green onions or even a pinch of grated Parmesan for a little twist.

Side Dishes

Poppy Seed Chicken shines served over fluffy white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles—each one soaks up all that wonderful sauce. For something lighter, pair it with crisp green beans, a fresh salad, or steamed broccoli for a pop of color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop individual portions into ramekins for single-serving comfort food, or layer the casserole over roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Hosting brunch? Bake in a round dish and serve as a centerpiece alongside fresh fruit and bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Poppy Seed Chicken stores like a dream. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

Want to get a jump on dinner? Assemble the casserole (right up to the topping) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—add a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s chilled.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings, but the oven preserves that irresistible crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Poppy Seed Chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds a wonderful depth of flavor and makes this recipe even faster to put together. Just shred or cube it and proceed as directed.

Can I make Poppy Seed Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping (so it stays crisp) and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for planning ahead.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

For a boost of color and nutrition, stir in steamed broccoli, diced carrots, or mixed frozen vegetables before baking. They’ll add flavor, make the dish more substantial, and are a family-friendly way to get in extra veggies.

Is there a gluten-free option for Poppy Seed Chicken?

Absolutely—just use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check labels to make sure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

What’s the best way to crush the crackers for the topping?

Put the crackers in a large zip-top bag, then crush them with a rolling pin for perfectly sized pieces. You want a mix of fine crumbs and a few larger bits for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, old-school casserole, Poppy Seed Chicken never disappoints. It’s creamy, crunchy, and weeknight-friendly—true comfort food you’ll make again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too!

Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy chicken casserole with a crunchy poppy seed and cracker topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked chicken and mix well. Spread into the prepared dish.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown topping.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.