Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of creamy and cheesy poppy seed chicken casserole with golden breadcrumb topping, showing chunks of chicken and sprinkled herbs.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

A creamy, comforting Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole–studded filling and a buttery cracker topping. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for potlucks or family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 377
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Cooked shredded chicken - About 1.5 lbs; rotisserie works well
  • 2 cans Cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz each - Low-fat or regular
  • 1 cup Sour cream - Greek yogurt can be used instead
  • 2 tablespoon Poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice - Adds brightness
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers crushed - About 1 sleeve, or use gluten-free crackers
  • ½ cup Butter melted - For topping
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan - Optional for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried parsley - Optional
  • ½ cup Celery diced - Optional extra crunch
  • ½ cup Water chestnuts chopped - Optional
  • ¼ cup Sliced almonds - Optional
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded - Optional for extra cheesiness

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish (For assembling and baking the casserole)
  • 2-3 Mixing bowls (For mixing the filling and topping)
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons (For measuring ingredients)
  • 1 Wooden Spoon (For stirring and folding)
  • 1 Food processor (optional) (To finely crush crackers (optional))

Method
 

  1. Cook and shred chicken, then mix soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, lemon juice, and seasonings.
    Ingredients on a marble surface including square butter crackers with crumbs, grated cheese, garlic, parsley, almonds, and a bowl of herbs.
  2. Spread chicken mixture in greased dish, crush crackers, mix with butter, and sprinkle topping over casserole.
    Bowl of shredded chicken mixed with creamy sauce and poppy seeds, with a spoon resting inside.
  3. Bake at 350 °F until topping is golden and bubbly, then let rest for five minutes.
    Golden-baked poppy seed chicken casserole in a white dish, topped with crispy cracker crumbs and fresh parsley.
  4. Let the casserole cool slightly, serve over rice or noodles, and enjoy leftovers later.
    Close-up of creamy and cheesy poppy seed chicken casserole with golden breadcrumb topping, showing chunks of chicken and sprinkled herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 236gCalories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 28.3gProtein: 23.6gFat: 18.9gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!