POPPY SEED CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole made with shredded chicken, cheese, cream of chicken & poppy seeds, then topped with buttery crackers. This Ritz cracker chicken casserole is quick, easy & packed with incredible flavor! 

Make this casserole dish for a perfect comforting meal, serve it as is or with cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this easy chicken casserole recipe is a great go-to meal for any occasion.

Simple Weeknight Meal The Whole Family Will Love

Chicken Casserole is a classic dish that is perfect for a simple weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is a great option for busy families who want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is easy to customize by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out the crackers for a different type of topping. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or pantry staples that you already have on hand. Try it out for yourself and see why this classic casserole has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort food dish.

Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Chicken: For the protein base of this delicious dish, you will need 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken. This is equal to about 3 large chicken breasts.

Cream of chicken soup: Use one 10.5-oz. can of cream of chicken soup to flavor this casserole well and give it plenty of liquid to stay moist while baking.

Sour cream: Adding 1 cup of sour cream adds a tangy taste to this incredible dish.

Parmesan cheese: For a sharp and bold flavor, use ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Poppy seeds: Using 1 TBSP of poppy seeds in this recipe gives it a subtle nutty flavor that is delightful.

Garlic powder: You need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a nice earthy taste.

Onion powder: Add ½ teaspoon of onion powder for a slightly sweet flavor in this casserole.

Crackers: Give this casserole a nice crunch in every bite by using 1 ½ cups of crushed Ritz crackers to top this dish with.

Butter: For a rich and buttery taste, combine the cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter.

How to make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Prep

Get started by preheating the oven to 350°F/180°c. Then spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Also, the chicken needs to be fully cooked and shredded before assembling the casserole. You can simplify this recipe by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken or try out this easy recipe for shredded chicken.

Assemble

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked & shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix with a large wooden spoon until well combined then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Set the dish aside.

After that, put the Ritz crackers in a ziplocked bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small crumbs.

Once crumbs are ready, melt the butter in a small bowl (in the microwave) and proceed to combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs. Stir until well combined, then sprinkle them over the chicken mixture. 

Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is bubbling and the crackers are golden. If the crackers begin to brown too much before the casserole is done, cover the pan loosely with a sheet of foil.

Serve the casserole over hot cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, if desired. Enjoy!

Variations of Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, substitute the chicken with 3 cups of cooked chickpeas or tofu. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup, and omit the parmesan cheese. Add some chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Mexican-Inspired Option: For a spicy twist on this casserole, add some diced green chilies, chopped jalapenos, and a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Use Mexican blend cheese instead of parmesan cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers. Serve with a side of salsa and guacamole for a fiesta-inspired meal.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the crackers and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead. Use full-fat sour cream and parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly version. You can also add some chopped spinach or kale for extra fiber and nutrients.

How long is leftover chicken casserole good for?

Store this chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.  Reheat until piping hot using the oven or microwave.

This chicken casserole is suitable for freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating according to the above directions.

Can I incorporate rice into this Chicken Casserole recipe?

To incorporate rice into a Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole recipe, cook 1 cup of white rice according to package instructions. Then, combine the rice with the rest of the ingredients during the assembly step in the recipe. Cook according to the instructions and enjoy!

What variations of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole are similar to the Pioneer Woman’s version?

Some variations of Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole that are similar to the Pioneer Woman’s version include adding chopped celery and sliced almonds to the casserole mixture, using crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers for the topping, and adding diced pimentos for a pop of color and flavor.

Can cream cheese be used in Chicken Casserole, and if so, how?

Yes, cream cheese can be used in a Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole recipe. To incorporate cream cheese into the casserole mixture, soften 4 ounces of cream cheese and mix it in with the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake as directed.

How can I use bone-in chicken breast in this recipe, if so, how?

If you’re using bone-in chicken breast instead of shredded chicken, season 3 large bone-in chicken breasts with salt and pepper and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones and shred it with a fork. Use the shredded chicken in place of the cooked shredded chicken in the recipe.

For more great casserole dinners, try these recipes here:

• Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
• Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole
• Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
• French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole
• Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
• Beef Enchilada Casserole
• One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole
• Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Sausage Broccoli Casserole
• Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
• Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
• Enchilada Pasta Casserole
• Walking Taco Casserole
• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Chicken Teriyaki Casserole

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a perfect comfort meal to serve on a busy weeknight, or any occasion for that matter! Ritz cracker chicken casserole comes together quickly, with basic ingredients, and is ready in under an hour.