Creamy Poppy Seed Chicken: A Comforting Family Dinner

Photo bysuci salamah

A Hearty Dish: The Creamy Comfort of Poppy Seed Chicken

When you're in the mood for a comforting, home-cooked meal, few dishes satisfy like Poppy Seed Chicken. This creamy and savory casserole is the perfect blend of flavors, combining tender chicken, rich cream of chicken soup, and a buttery, crunchy topping. Whether it's a busy weeknight or you're hosting a family gathering, Poppy Seed Chicken offers the kind of soul-warming meal that brings people together. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a go-to option for home cooks looking to whip up something easy yet irresistibly delicious.

This dish has long been a favorite in many kitchens, and it’s easy to see why. The savory chicken pairs beautifully with a rich sauce made of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of flavorful spices. But the magic really happens when you add the topping: crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds, creating a crunchy crust that balances the creamy base. With just one bite, you'll experience the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it an instant hit at the dinner table.

Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place the diced chicken in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning.
4. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
5. In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds.
6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the creamy chicken mixture.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy this savory, satisfying meal!

This Poppy Seed Chicken casserole is not just a dish—it’s a comforting embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something that reminds you of home. The contrast between the creamy sauce and the crispy, buttery cracker topping makes every bite exciting and delicious.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want something easy to enjoy with your family, this recipe is a winner. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. And don’t worry about leftovers, because this dish tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!

Here’s a delicious and easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole recipe that blends creamy flavors with a crunchy, buttery topping, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

This comforting dish is made by combining cooked chicken with a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and spices like thyme, garlic, and onion powder. The final touch comes from a buttery Ritz cracker and poppy seed topping that bakes into a crispy, golden crust. This casserole is ideal for busy nights because it requires minimal prep time and can be on the table in just under an hour.

Recipe Ingredients:

• 5 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 ½ sleeves)
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• ½ tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Layer the diced cooked chicken in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the soup, sour cream, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and poppy seeds, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition, or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese for an added cheesy flavor. Pair it with sides like a simple salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal that's sure to satisfy.

For those looking for a lighter option, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream or using a low-fat version of the soup. You can even freeze this casserole before baking for up to two months, making it a great make-ahead dish​(The Recipe Critic)​(Southern Living)​(Taste of Home).