Savory Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
This delightful Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that has become a cherished staple in our family gatherings. Originating from my sister's legendary Superbowl party, this creamy and comforting dish combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce and a crunchy buttered Ritz cracker topping. The poppy seeds add a unique touch, while the option to lighten up the dish with low-fat ingredients makes it versatile for any occasion. Serve it over wide egg noodles with fresh blueberry muffins and a side of corn or salad for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken
1 1/2 lbs (cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
cream of chicken soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
sour cream
16 ounces (none)
Ritz crackers
60 (crushed)
poppy seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, place the chicken breasts and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. (An electric knife works wonders for this task!)
3
In a 13x9 inch rectangular baking dish, mix the two cans of cream of chicken soup with the sour cream until smooth and well combined.
4
Evenly sprinkle the prepared chicken pieces over the soup mixture in the baking dish.
5
In a plastic bag, place the Ritz crackers and gently crush them until they are broken into small pieces. Add the poppy seeds and shake the bag to combine them well. Then, pour the melted butter over the cracker mixture and shake again until the crackers are evenly coated.
6
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the layer of chicken.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is a lovely golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
It is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sauce and a crunchy buttered Ritz cracker topping, often served at family gatherings or parties.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup with 16 ounces of sour cream until smooth.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be boiled for about 10 minutes until tender and no longer pink, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9 inch rectangular baking dish is the best size for this casserole.
How many Ritz crackers are used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 60 Ritz crackers, which should be crushed into small pieces.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Place crushed Ritz crackers and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds in a bag, then add 1/2 cup of melted butter and shake until evenly coated.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping has turned a lovely golden brown.
Can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Yes, you can lighten up the dish by using low-fat cream of chicken soup and low-fat sour cream.
What is the best way to cut the cooked chicken?
An electric knife is highly recommended for cutting the chicken into clean, bite-sized pieces.
What should I serve with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
It is delicious served over wide egg noodles with sides like fresh blueberry muffins, corn, or a garden salad.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?
Yes, using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving substitution for boiling fresh chicken breasts.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter to coat the cracker and poppy seed mixture.
What is the role of poppy seeds in this dish?
The poppy seeds add a unique visual touch and a very subtle nutty flavor to the crunchy cracker topping.
Should I mix the chicken into the soup mixture?
The instructions suggest sprinkling the chicken pieces evenly over the soup mixture rather than stirring them in completely.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and sauce layer in advance, then add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a staple for Superbowl parties and family gatherings.
What is the origin of this specific recipe version?
This recipe originated from the creator's sister's legendary Superbowl party.
How many poppy seeds are included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
While sour cream provides the signature tang and creaminess, some people substitute Greek yogurt for a different nutritional profile.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The recipe doesn't explicitly require it due to the creamy base, but a light coating of cooking spray can help with cleanup.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture; however, it is best to add the cracker topping fresh when you are ready to bake.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, with only 6 ingredients and simple assembly steps, it is considered an easy dinner option.
What type of crackers are best?
Ritz crackers are recommended for their buttery flavor and specific texture.
Can I use different types of 'cream of' soups?
While cream of chicken is standard, some variations use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a 16-ounce container of sour cream.
Why is the casserole considered comfort food?
Its combination of warm, creamy sauce, tender protein, and buttery crackers makes it a classic, satisfying comfort meal.