Name: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute); 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version); 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, crunchy, and satisfying. It’s simple to put together, can be prepped ahead, and is a great way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken. The buttery cracker and poppy seed topping adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
Sour cream
Butter, melted
Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers), crushed
Poppy seeds
Salt and pepper
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or shredded cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and poppy seeds.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
Serve warm, paired with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Poppy Seed Chicken: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the filling.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
Herbed Topping: Add dried parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the cracker mixture.
Veggie Boost: Mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Individual Servings: Bake in small ramekins for portioned casseroles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut for saving time.

Do I have to use Ritz crackers?

No, you can use any buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

Bake uncovered so the cracker topping stays crunchy.

Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?

Yes, it works wonderfully and gives the casserole a fresher flavor.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free crackers and soup.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely, broccoli, peas, or carrots are great additions.

How do I freeze this casserole?

Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it’s great for large gatherings and potlucks.

What can I serve with poppy seed chicken casserole?

It pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a creamy, crunchy, and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit with the family. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal