Deliciously Creamy Ritz Poppy Seed Chicken Bake
This Ritz Poppy Seed Chicken Bake is a delectable one-dish meal that brings comforting flavors and ease to your table. Tender, cubed chicken is sautéed with savory onions, then combined with a rich, creamy mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a hint of poppy seeds for a delightful twist. Topped with a buttery, crispy layer of crushed Ritz crackers, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It's not just a meal; it's a family favorite that everyone will love!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cubed chicken
2 lbs (Cubed)
finely diced onion
1/4 cup (Finely diced)
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can
sour cream
2 cups
poppy seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons
Ritz crackers
8 ounces (Crushed)
margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the cubed chicken over medium heat with the diced onion until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
4
Add the cooked chicken and onion mixture to the creamy mixture, stirring gently to combine without breaking up the chicken.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted margarine, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
6
In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, place half of the cracker mixture evenly at the bottom to create a base.
7
Pour the chicken mixture over the cracker base, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle the remaining Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy Ritz Poppy Seed Chicken Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deliciously Creamy Ritz Poppy Seed Chicken Bake?
It is a delectable one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, a rich cream sauce with poppy seeds, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
How many people does this chicken bake serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake time is typically between 30 and 40 minutes.
Can I substitute margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use a half cup of melted butter instead of margarine for the cracker topping.
Do I need to cook the chicken before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should brown the cubed chicken in a skillet with the onion until fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sour cream to create the creamy base.
How do I prepare the Ritz cracker topping?
Combine 8 ounces of crushed Ritz crackers with 1/2 cup of melted margarine until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Is there a base layer in this casserole?
Yes, half of the buttery cracker mixture is placed at the bottom of the dish to create a base.
What flavor do poppy seeds add to the dish?
Poppy seeds add a hint of nuttiness and a delightful visual texture to the creamy chicken mixture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You should thaw the chicken completely and cube it before browning it in the skillet.
Can I omit the onions?
Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the onions, though they add savory depth to the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken bake is done?
It is ready when the sauce is bubbly and the Ritz cracker topping has turned a golden brown.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the mixture is a great way to customize the meal.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What can I serve as a side dish?
This pairs well with a side of steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or fluffy white rice.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes, you can use shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken; just sauté the onions separately before mixing.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken mixture ahead of time, but it is best to add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
What kind of crackers are best?
Ritz crackers are recommended for their buttery flavor and light texture.
How much poppy seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Should I season the chicken?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste while cooking the chicken and onion.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the cracker topping and add that fresh before baking.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, its creamy texture and buttery topping make it a classic comfort food favorite.
How much chicken do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of cubed chicken.
Does the dish need to rest after baking?
Letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps the sauce set slightly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild, creamy flavors and crunchy topping are generally very popular with children.