This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy textures with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Tender chicken, rich sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping come together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The subtle nuttiness of poppy seeds adds a unique twist, while the golden, bubbly finish promises a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that balances indulgence with simplicity. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the crispy topping delivers a delightful contrast. With 16g of protein per serving, it’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
What You’ll Need for Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced; rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut!)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom or celery can be substituted)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream (plain Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 cups Ritz crackers (crushed; saltines or butter crackers also work)
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup butter (melted; unsalted preferred)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving; brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives)
How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until well combined.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the chicken mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, poppy seeds, and melted butter. Mix until the butter coats the crackers evenly.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve warm over cooked white rice and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic comfort meal, or try it with wild rice for a nuttier flavor. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A side of warm, buttery dinner rolls is also a crowd-pleaser!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is a great make-ahead meal! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize this casserole to suit your taste! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor profile. Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for extra richness. For a crunchier topping, use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers. You can even substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter twist.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and dicing your own—it’s a game-changer! Pre-crush the crackers and store them in a zip-top bag to save a step. If you’re prepping ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
Essential Equipment for Easy Prep
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish and a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A food processor or rolling pin can help quickly crush the crackers, and a silicone spatula ensures you scrape every bit of the creamy mixture into the dish. Don’t forget nonstick cooking spray to keep cleanup simple!
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cooked and diced)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, (10.75 ounce can)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, (crushed)
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup butter, (melted)
- 2 cups white rice, (cooked)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix together diced chicken, soup and sour cream in a large bowl.
- Add in Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, mix together crushed crackers, poppy seeds, and melted butter and stir until butter is completely incorporated.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread chicken mixture on the bottom and top with cracker mixture.
- Cover pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.