Poppy Seed Chicken: A Delicious School Night Dinner

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a beloved Southern dish that has been around for decades. It is a classic, comforting, and creamy chicken casserole topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The recipe is simple, requiring fewer than 10 ingredients, and it can be made in under an hour. This crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or picnics and can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

How to make poppy seed chicken casserole

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a beloved Southern dish that is simple to make and incredibly tasty. It is a creamy chicken casserole with a buttery topping. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

The ingredients for poppy seed chicken casserole are simple and easy to find. You will need:

• Cooked chicken (you can use a cooked rotisserie chicken or quickly cook some frozen chicken breasts)
• Condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or another "cream of" soup)
• Sour cream (or crème fraîche)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Ritz crackers
• Poppy seeds

You can also add some vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, carrots, or steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables. Some people also like to add some extra flavour with ingredients like:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Celery salt
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Onion/garlic powder
• Poultry seasoning

Method

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare the filling by mixing together the chicken, soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. You can also add in any extra flavourings you like at this stage. Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Next, make the topping by combining crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole.

Finally, bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes, until the topping is browned and the sauce is bubbly.

Serving

Poppy seed chicken casserole can be served over rice ?(white or brown), egg noodles, or with a salad or steamed vegetables on the side. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy families and can be made ahead of time and frozen.

Casserole customisation options

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a classic, comforting, and creamy dish that is easy to make and highly customizable. While the core ingredients remain consistent, you can experiment with various add-ins and substitutions to make the casserole your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Protein Options:

While chicken is the traditional choice, feel free to mix it up with other proteins such as cooked turkey, diced ham, or shredded cooked pork. For a vegetarian option, you could try using tofu, beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Carbohydrate Base:

Many people like to serve poppy seed chicken casserole with cooked rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. However, you can also make it a one-dish meal by layering cooked rice or crushed crackers at the bottom of the casserole before adding the chicken mixture. This adds texture and makes it a more filling dish.

Vegetable and Herb Enhancements:

Vegetables and herbs are a great way to add colour, flavour, and nutritional value to your casserole. Try mixing in steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Fresh herbs like parsley or lemon zest can also brighten up the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different spices like chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.

Toppings and Crunch:

The classic topping for poppy seed chicken casserole is crushed buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers, which provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. You can toss the crackers with salted or unsalted butter before sprinkling them on top, and even mix in some shredded cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Customising the Sauce:

The sauce in poppy seed chicken casserole is typically made with condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream, but you can customise it in several ways. Try adding mayonnaise or creme fraiche for extra creaminess, or a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. For a tangy twist, include some lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding garlic, celery salt, pepper, or any other spices you fancy.

With these customisation options, you can make your poppy seed chicken casserole truly your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and combine different ingredients to find your perfect flavour combination!

How to prepare the casserole ahead of time

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a classic, comforting, and creamy dish that is incredibly easy to make. It is a one-pot meal that is a sure-fire family pleaser. You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for up to three months. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the casserole ahead of time:

Prepare the ingredients:

You can use leftover cooked chicken or quickly cook frozen chicken breasts. If you are short on time, you can also use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. Other ingredients include cream of chicken soup, sour cream, crackers, butter, and poppy seeds. You can also add some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or rice to make it more filling.

Mix the filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. You can also add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. If you want to add some spice, you can include garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.

Assemble the casserole:

Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If you want to add egg noodles, you can mix them with the soup and sour cream mixture and layer them on the bottom of the dish before adding the chicken.

Prepare the topping:

In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers and melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. You can use Ritz crackers or any other buttery crackers. You can also add some parsley to the topping for a burst of colour and fresh herb flavour.

Store and bake:

Cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil and place it in the freezer if you plan to store it for more than two days. It will last for about three months. If you plan to bake it within two days, you can store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, remove the casserole from the freezer or refrigerator and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven, and bake the casserole as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

What to serve with the casserole

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Rice

White, brown, or cauliflower rice can be a great base for this creamy casserole. It adds a hearty and filling element to the dish, making it a satisfying meal. If you're serving a large group, rice is a great way to stretch the meal and ensure everyone gets a hearty portion.

Vegetables

Green beans, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices to pair with the casserole. They provide a crisp and healthy contrast to the rich dish. You can steam, roast, or sauté these vegetables to enhance their flavour and texture.

Bread

A warm, chewy slice of bread or a soft roll can be a wonderful addition to the meal. Bread is a great way to soak up any extra sauce from the casserole and provides a comforting, familiar taste.

Salads

A well-crafted salad can be a refreshing side dish to balance the richness of the casserole. With the right combination of ingredients, a salad can be both exciting and flavourful. It adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal.

Dessert

Don't forget that you can always surprise your guests with a sweet treat after the meal. Dessert doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions. A simple dessert can turn an everyday meal into a memorable event.

Drinks

Consider pairing your meal with a well-chosen beverage. A bottle of wine or a carefully crafted cocktail can elevate the dining experience and make it feel a touch more fancy.

The history of poppy seed chicken casserole

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a classic family favourite that is incredibly easy to make. It is a creamy chicken casserole topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The casserole is usually served with white or brown rice and a fresh salad, or steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables.

The recipe for poppy seed chicken casserole has been published by the Southern Living Test Kitchen since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine. The recipe is a beloved Southern dish that is simple enough for weeknight dinners. It is also an outstanding one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze.

The casserole is often associated with comfort food and is commonly served during family gatherings, births, or deaths. It is also a popular dish to take to a friend who has just had a baby or to feed a large group. The recipe is very versatile, and cooks can add their own twist by including additional ingredients such as broccoli, pimento, parsley, onion/garlic powder, poultry seasoning, or extra poppy seeds.

The poppy seed chicken casserole is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations, with many people recalling their grandmothers' recipes and enjoying the dish with their families today. It is a simple, comforting, and filling meal that brings back fond memories for many.

Frequently asked questions