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
We have enjoyed reading your posts. Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!
Christin, this looks so delicious! I can’t believe I’ve never had a ritz cracker topping — it sounds great. I’m going to have to put that on my list for 2014!
I can almost taste the casserole it looks really.. Happy New year to you and your family Christin and keep the recipes coming… 🙂
There is something so comforting about casserole and this one looks perfect, Christin! Love the ritz topping. Have a great week!
I have not had enough chicken casseroles in my life. This looks wonderful! I am also in the Ritz cracker fan club. : )
Oh my… you had me right here: “buttery Ritz cracker topping”. 🙂 Looks delicious!
I know how big of a hit this casserole would be, major! Looks delicious!
Poppy Seed Chicken is a favorite of ours. I use the recipe for Homemade Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup from Brooklyn Farm Girl. Instead of buying a can, make 1.5X the recipe, omitt the mushrooms, and add half milk and half homemade chicken broth for the liquid, added 1/2 teas. garlic powder plus 1/2 teas. fresh minced garlic to change the recipe to Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup. In the homemade chicken broth I added a little Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base to boost the chicken flavor to the water, carrots and onion I boiled than simmered the store-bought rotisserie chicken bones in for a few hours after saving the meat for the recipe to make homemade chicken broth which makes enough for this recipe plus a few other containers to freeze.
This is what I call comfort food made the right way. Mmm, it is making my mouth water. Especially with that lovely topping ;–)
I hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend! xx
What a wonderful recipe for the holidays! I love the fact that you incorporated poppy seeds, they are so healthy and will sure add extra depth to the recipe!
This looks like such a great comforting casserole Christin. It sounds delicious especially topped with the buttery Ritz crackers 🙂