Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Creamy Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole – a classic dish! Seriously delicious. Our whole family cleaned their plate and asked for seconds! Chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, Ritz crackers, and butter. Great make-ahead weeknight meal!

Classic Chicken Casserole

This Creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its best. I grew up eating this dish and I still love it as an adult. It is super easy to make and everyone loves it. Chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, and Ritz cracker topping. You can serve the casserole over noodles or rice. Heat up some green beans and rolls and dinner is done!

How to Make Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole

As I said, this chicken casserole is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Stir in cooked chopped chicken. Spread the chicken mixture in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs over the casserole. Place the casserole dish in the oven. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven until bubbly.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• I use a rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken in this casserole. Rotisserie chicken is a HUGE time saver. I always have some pulled rotisserie chicken in the freezer for casseroleslike this one.
  • You can use any cooked chicken that you have on hand. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins all work fine.
• You can use any flavor of Cream of Condensed Soup. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of chicken are all delicious.
  • Here is our recipe for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup/
• For a gluten-free casserole, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and top the casserole with crushed pork rinds for the cracker crumbs.
• Feel free to add vegetables and/or cheese to the casserole mixture. Broccoli, green peas, corn, carrots, mushrooms are all great.
• You can add any spices and seasonings to the dish that you enjoy. Oregano, basil, garlic, onion powder, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce all work great.
• Can I make poppy seed chicken casserole in advance? Yes! You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze poppy seed chicken casserole?Yes! You can make the casserole and freeze for a quick meal later. To bake after freezing, thaw completely and bake as directed below. 
  • Tip: write the cooking directions directly on the foil covering the baking dish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

What to Serve with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This casserole was super delicious. The buttery Ritz cracker topping really puts this chicken casserole over the top! We both cleaned our plates and went back for seconds. If you have a bigger family, you probably want to double the recipe. 

We love to serve this over rice or egg noodles with a side of yummy green beans or a simple green salad. This is one of our go-to weeknight recipes. Easy and delicious! Here are a few of our favorite recipes from the blog that go great with this easy chicken casserole:

Vegetables

Ranch Style Green Beans

Ranch Style Green Beans Recipe – THE BEST green beans ever! Only 4 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes –…

Vegetables

Smothered Asparagus

Smothered Asparagus – SO good! Only 6 ingredients!! Fresh asparagus baked in bacon, brown sugar, butter, soy sauce and garlic.…

Side Dish Casseroles

Yum Yum Broccoli Casserole

Yum Yum Broccoli Casserole – our favorite broccoli casserole!!! SO easy to make and tastes great! Simply mix everything together…

Bread

Easy 7UP Biscuits (Only 4 Ingredients)

7up Biscuits Recipe – Light and fluffy. They only have four ingredients – THE BEST biscuits EVER! Butter, Bisquick, sour…

Steph