Description
This creamy, comforting Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with a rich blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker and poppy seed crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature as you prepare the dish.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Stir this mixture well until everything is smoothly blended.
- Add Chicken: Fold the shredded cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Season this filling with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Spread in Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly, then spread the chicken mixture evenly inside the dish to form a smooth layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter to create a buttery, crunchy topping.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The topping should become golden brown and crispy, and the casserole will be bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Shredded chicken can be prepared ahead or use leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Make sure to grease the casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
- If you like extra crunch, add an additional 1/4 cup of crushed crackers on top before baking.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
