Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe

Chicken: Shredded, cooked chicken serves as the base protein for this casserole.

Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.

Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole mixture.

Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a bit of texture.

Ritz crackers: Crushed ritz crackers create a crunchy, buttery topping for the casserole.

Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the crushed crackers to form the topping.

When mixing the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds together, ensure the ingredients are well combined to create a uniform base. This will help the flavors meld together more effectively during baking. Additionally, when crushing the ritz crackers, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces to add a pleasing texture contrast to the casserole.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: This provides a similar creamy consistency and a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat.

• poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds provide a similar crunch and are also packed with nutrients.

• ritz crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunchy topping and can be seasoned to taste.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option while still adding richness to the dish.

• Allow the poppy seed chicken casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For storing in the refrigerator:

  • Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.

• For freezing:

  • Portion the casserole into individual servings or keep it whole, depending on your preference.
  • Wrap each portion or the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label with the date and contents before placing in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from frozen:

  • If reheating the entire casserole, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the ritz cracker topping to crisp up.
  • For individual portions, you can microwave them directly from frozen on medium power, checking and stirring occasionally until heated through.

• For best results, avoid freezing the ritz cracker topping separately. Instead, prepare a fresh batch of the topping when you're ready to bake the casserole. This ensures a crisp and crunchy texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover poppy seed chicken casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check halfway through and stir if necessary to ensure even heating.

• For stovetop reheating, place the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Cover and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• To retain the crispy topping, reheat the casserole in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds.

• Baking dish: Used to spread the chicken mixture for baking.

• Another mixing bowl: Used to mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the sour cream and butter accurately.

• Can opener: Used to open the can of cream of chicken soup.

• Wooden spoon: Used to mix the ingredients in the mixing bowls.

• Crushing tool: Used to crush the Ritz crackers, if not already crushed.

• Spatula: Used to spread the chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Pre-crush crackers: Crush the ritz crackers in advance and store them in an airtight container to speed up assembly.

One-bowl mixing: Combine all the ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup and save time.

Microwave butter: Melt the butter in the microwave for quicker preparation.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.