Description
This classic Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken baked in a flavorful sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a hint of Dijon mustard, all topped with a buttery poppy seed and Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for an easy family dinner that delivers rich textures and a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 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 prepare for baking the casserole.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Stir mixture until it becomes smooth and uniform.
- Add Chicken: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the sauce mixture until all pieces are well coated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the surface.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, and serve the casserole hot for a creamy and crunchy comfort meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for a quick preparation.
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of shredded cheese into the mixture before baking.
- To make it a bit healthier, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Ensure the cracker topping is evenly spread for a perfect, crunchy crust.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking to enhance flavors.
