Poppy seed chicken casserole is a comfort food classic! Tender chicken, creamy and tangy sauce, and crunchy, buttery cracker and poppy seed topping make a perfect bite.
Poppy seed chicken casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, taking to a potluck, or sharing with a friend. It freezes well and is kid friendly.
I was introduced to this dish by my mother-in-law, and it quickly became a favorite of multiple family members. It's easy to whip up with common pantry and fridge ingredients.
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Ingredients
Poppy seed chicken is a creamy, crunchy casserole that is quick to prepare and loved by everyone! This is a favorite dinner in my family, and I always get asked for the recipe!
- diced cooked chicken
- buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- butter
- poppy seeds
- sour cream
- cream of chicken soup
- grated Parmesan cheese - I like to buy a wedge of Parmesan and grate it right before using. Pre-grated Parmesan is treated to prevent caking and doesn't melt as readily.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make poppy seed chicken casserole
- To make poppy seed chicken, you will need 4 cups of diced, cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great here, or bake some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the topping. I like to crush the crackers while still inside the sleeve or in a Ziplock. Kids love to help with this.
- Melt the butter in a medium bowl, then add crushed crackers and poppy seeds. Stir to combine.
- Combine the diced chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan.
- Sprinkle the buttery crackers and poppy seeds over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake in a 375-degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cracker topping starts to brown. Dig in!
Storage
Store the covered casserole in a baking dish in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Poppy seed chicken can also be frozen in the baking dish. If making ahead, keep the cracker mixture separate from the chicken and top it right before baking. This keeps the crackers crunchy.
What to eat with poppy seed chicken
I always serve this dish with white rice on the side. Noodles would also be great! A green vegetable such as Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon or salad rounds out this meal perfectly. My family loves a side of peas with poppy seed chicken; it tastes great with chicken, rice, and peas together in one bite!
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken diced
- 2 sleeves buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- ½ cup butter melted
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 10.75-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 16 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds together in a medium bowl until combined. Set aside.
- Combine diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Parmesan. Spread in a 9x13 baking dish. Top with cracker mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cracker topping is slightly browned.
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