Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a classic casserole that’s wonderfully creamy with a buttery cracker crub topping. So simple to make for a weeknight meal!
This creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole topped with a cheesy Ritz cracker topping is comfort food at its finest. Who doesn’t love a buttery Ritz cracker topping? Especially when there is some cheese mixed in. It’s the best part.
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a classic southern dish that you’ll find a recipe for in practically every community or church cookbook. And strangely enough, you’ll find little variation between recipes. Or maybe that’s not strange, because why tinker with something that tastes as good as Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
How To Make Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole
Shredded or diced chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken) is mixed with Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup and sour cream and topped with poppy seeds and a Ritz cracker topping. I also like to add just a little celery salt and some Cheddar cheese. This casserole only takes a few minutes to mix together and then it just needs a little over 30 minutes on the oven.
It’s a super easy comfort meal that will appeal to the whole family. And make sure you get dibs on the leftovers. It reheats really well too.
Freeze For Later
This recipe freezes really well. You can double it and bake one for now and freeze one for later. It’s the perfect casserole to give to a friend who has just had a baby or a neighbor who is going through a rough patch. Just pair it with a green salad or some rice and green beans for a full meal.
More Chicken Casseroles
- Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Divan Casserole
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- White Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Cornbread Casserole
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32),, crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter,, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, celery salt, black pepper, 1/2 of cheddar, 1/2 Ritz crackers.
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese and cracker crumbs on top. Drizzle butter over topping and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published December 28, 2013
Made this once before and flavors were wondefully tasty. Making again tonight. Have no celery so will add chopped water chestnuts instead for the crunch and serve over some lightly buttered angel hair pasta. Didnt serve anything last time other than a veggie and husband was missing his starch substance
perfect comfort food. made exactly as written, and it was delicious.
Thank you Christen. I’m new on here and an old retired Millwright Mechanic. I like your recipes that I can freeze for later. I’m always making large 1 pot meals that can be frozen in smaller containers. I don’t do many oven baked meals but am certainly going to invest some time in some casseroles now. I’m leaning towards using Smoked Paprika and Aged Block Cheese in your Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
My mother made this for years and I do to. I remember that the original recipe had Ritz cracker bits but we use Peppridge Farm Herb Stuffing. We mix the poppy seeds in the stuffing/butter mixture.
I’ll have to try it with the poppy seeds mixed in the main art of the dish and may try the Ritz crackers for authenticity!
OMG I haven’t had Poppy Seed Chicken in a REALLY long time! Love it! Will have to try! Looks delish!
I substitute French onion dip for the sour cream and I add green peas., my seven girls love it. So does my only male companion, Gus, my male yellow lab.
That’s a fabulous idea to use French Onion Dip! I’m going to try it soon!
Hello Blake,
Too much dairy, cheese, and salt for your pup!
I made this the other night. It was delicious. Only problem was that I ate too much. The buttery cracker topping was so tasty on top of the creamy poppy seed chicken. I will be making this again. Thanks for sharing.
Being a Northerner, I’ve never been lucky enough to experience this casserole — but, it looks delicious and I may just need to try to make it myself. Perfect winter comfort food!
Yay for poppy seeds! I don’t believe I’ve used them often with savoury dishes—certainly not a casserole. What a great idea though, and I had no idea it was a classic southern dish. Have a wonderful New Year, Christin 🙂