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Overhead view of a creamy and golden Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, baked to perfection.

Ultimate Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole delivers a creamy, crunchy, and intensely flavorful experience. It features tender chicken in a rich sauce, topped with buttery Ritz crackers and toasted poppy seeds for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • small bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven
  • Fork or shredding claws

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side).
  4. Let chicken cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
  6. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
  7. Pour the chicken mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds. Mix well.
  9. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the poppy seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the cracker mixture. Consider adding cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added nutrients and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.