Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe

on Sep 03, 2024, Updated Sep 13, 2024 2 Comments There’s something so loved about a savory, comfort-food casserole! This tasty Poppy Seed Chicken fits that description and has been a favorite Southern casserole for as long as I can remember. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner and always a great casserole to make for a neighbor in need, new parents, or a friend who could use a hug in the form of a comforting casserole! This chicken casserole is filled with chicken, is a breeze to make, and is ready to serve in 30 minutes. It’s also perfect to make ahead if you’d like. It freezes well and makes delicious leftovers, too. Make it for your next family supper, church potluck, or to take to a friend. You’ll love the comfort food taste it brings. Here’s how you’ll make it.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information. Chicken – It’s the main ingredient of this casserole, and it should be cooked and shredded. Cream of Chicken Soup – I use my rich, creamy, and delicious homemade cream of chicken soup in this recipe. It adds incredible flavor to the dish, gives it a creamy consistency, and ties the other ingredients together. Sour Cream – Gives the dish a bit of a tangy flavor and adds to the creamy base. Stone House Seasoning – My family’s own favorite homemade salt, pepper, and garlic blend. I use it frequently to add flavor to so many recipes! Poppy Seeds – These add a bit of a delicious, nutty taste to the casserole and so much visual appeal, too! Cheddar cheese – Adds a tasty, rich flavor to this dish that my family loves. Some other recipes for this dish don’t include cheese, but my family recipe does, and we prefer the cheese in it! It’s so good! I recommend shredding your cheese from a block for the best results. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with ingredients to keep the cheese from sticking together in the package. Freshly shredded cheese tastes and melts so much better! Crushed Butter Crackers – Add a delicious, slightly crunchy texture to the beautiful golden topping. Butter – Mixed with crushed butter crackers, it helps the topping to reach a golden brown color and tastes so delicious!

How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Go ahead and shred your chicken if you haven’t already. Shred the cheddar cheese and melt your butter so they are ready to add to the recipe as directed. Mix. Set aside the butter crackers and melted butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spread the chicken casserole mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Add topping. Add the crushed butter crackers (Ritz brand or similar crackers) and melted butter into a small mixing bowl and stir until combined. Spread it evenly on top of the chicken casserole. Bake and Serve. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake as directed until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and the topping is a light golden brown. Then remove from oven and serve after cooling for a few minutes.

Ways to Serve

Serve this dish with your favorite green vegetable, like broccoli or green beans. Layer the casserole over brown or white rice and serve with a vegetable or house salad. Some people enjoy this served over egg noodles, too!

Poppy Seed Chicken Variations

Use shredded turkey breast instead of chicken. A great way to use leftover turkey! Mix a few sliced almonds into the cracker topping mixture for added crunch. You can swap out the cheddar cheese and use Monterey Jack or another favorite flavorful cheese if you prefer.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

I love the ease of casseroles – delicious, comforting, and easy! And yes, this one is like most others because it is so simple to make ahead and freeze! To make ahead. After completely cooling the casserole, wrap and refrigerate for up to two days for the freshest, best-tasting results. To store. If you have leftovers, cool them completely and wrap them well or place them in an airtight container—put them in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze. Wrap the cooled casserole well in freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to two months. To reheat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Be sure to heat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees before serving.