Poppyseed Chicken

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe. All you need is a few simple ingredients and the casserole bakes in about 25-30 minutes. From the creamy chicken, nutty poppy seeds and cracker crumbs topping makes it so delicious and a family favorite.

Chicken casseroles are perfect for a weeknight meal or to prepare for your next potluck. If you love this classic dish, then you will probably love Chicken and Rice Casserole and Marry Me Chicken.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Minimal Prep Time – All you need is a large bowl and a baking dish to make this creamy chicken casserole. This makes for easy cleanup and the best weeknight meal.
• Freezer Friendly – When I have a friend in need, this is my go-to creamy chicken casserole recipe. It is freezer friendly so if I am making one, I always like to double to stock my freezer.
• Simple Ingredients – Anytime I have Leftover Chicken this is the recipe to make. My entire family loves it and I can add a simple vegetable and dinner is done. Which makes it the best budget friendly casserole recipe.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts – Have leftover chicken this is the perfect recipe to make
• Sour Cream – Swap with Greek Yogurt
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Use canned soup or make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. You can also substitute with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Poppy Seeds – Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor
• Melted Butter – Use unsalted butter
• Crushed Ritz Crackers – Use approximately 1 ½ sleeves

For the full Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe, scroll to the bottom to see the recipe card.

How to Make Poppyseed Chicken

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Step 2 – Place the cooked chicken in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish. 

Step 3 – In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, black pepper, salt and poppy seeds.  

Step 4 – Pour this mixture on top of the chicken mixture and spread in the baking pan.  

Step 5 – In a separate bowl, gently stir together the topping ingredients.  Sprinkle this mixture on top of the casserole.  

• Step 6 – Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top of the casserole is slightly browned and the sauce begins to bubble at the bottom of the pan.  
• Step 7 – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!  

Recipe Tips

• Shredded Chicken – You can either make your own shredded chicken breasts or use a Rotisserie chicken and shred the chicken off the bones.  
• Double Recipe – This is the perfect recipe to double to freeze one. Place the casserole that you are going to freeze in a aluminum disposable pan then place in a freezer.
• Layering Ingredients – When layering the ingredients in a casserole dish make sure to cover the pan completely. This is to ensure each bite if full of creamy chicken and crunchy topping.

Variations and Addition Ideas

• Add Rice – This is a great easy chicken recipe and you can easily add 2 cups of cooked rice into the casserole at the bottom under the shredded chicken.
• Mix in Frozen Vegetables – You can also add frozen veggies or fresh broccoli into the casserole before baking to make it a complete meal.  
• Crushed Crackers – We love the buttery flavor of Ritz Crackers, but feel free to substitute with saltine crackers of your choice.
• Add Spices – Feel free to add in fresh herbs such as a tbsp of parsley or thyme. We even have added in ½ tsp of onion and garlic powder for even more flavor.

What Pairs Well with Poppyseed Chicken?

This delicious poppy seed chicken casserole can be served with many different sides. Try one of these suggestions to make it a complete meal idea.

• Easy Caesar Salad Recipe or a side salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
• Best Mashed Potatoes or Egg Noodles with a side of Air Fryer Broccoli
• Instant pot White Rice Recipe and Roasted Zucchini