Poppy Seed Chicken

This poppy seed chicken recipe is probably 40 years old. I had forgotten about the recipe until I spotted it today in an old cookbook. So many of the old recipes call for margarine, oh how I remember seeing margarine in the refrigerator growing up.

Now I only buy butter. I remember when I made the switch to “real” butter, I almost felt guilty. That changed very quickly. Butter is healthier and tastes so good on just about anything, right?

This recipe is actually called a casserole. When I raised my daughters, we made a lot of casseroles. Here’s the deal, this casserole has bite-size pieces of chicken, with sour cream gravy, a crunchy Ritz cracker topping that includes poppy seeds. It’s simple to make and both kids and adults love this recipe scooped over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

In case you missed this post, Baked Chicken Breast

Items You May Need In The Kitchen:

• A Good Knife
• Cutting Boards
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Casserole Dish (9 by 13-inch)
• Mixing Bowl
• Garlic Roller and Garlic Mincer

Ingredients – Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Chicken (I used rotisserie chicken): I love to use rotisserie chicken that can be bought at the store. It’s cooked and has a delicious roasted flavor! It’s ready to be cut up into bite-sized pieces! Cooked chicken can also be used. An excellent source of protein!
• Cream of Chicken Soup (undiluted): A savory and smooth creamy chicken soup made of chicken stock, seasonings, small bits of chicken, celery and cream.
• Sour Cream: Used to add more flavor to this dip. It has a 20% fat content. The cream is mixed with a lactic acid that creates that sour taste we all love! It also helps to thicken the cream.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Typically made with vinegar, anchovies, molasses, onion powder, garlic powder, tamarind extract, chili pepper extract, and salt. It provides a savory, sweet, sour, and spicy addition to the cheese ball.
• Minced Garlic: Adds an almost nutty flavor. You can even bake them or eat them raw. They enhance the flavor of any dish. Raw garlic has a stronger flavor, and hence, smell. Minced garlic offers the most aromatic and pungent flavor, making it ideal for soups, salads, sauces, and other savory dishes.
• Lemon Juice: Used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients; gives the boost of lemon zest flavor we all love! It helps to lock in the moisture in the chicken and broccoli casserole and adds a little tartness.

Ingredients – Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping

• Ritz Crackers: A delicious cracker that is thin and round in shape. It is oven-baked with a savory buttery crunch.
• Butter: Due to the fat content, butter helps to produce a softer sweet potato and enriches the flavor. It browns the chicken while cooking.
• Poppy Seeds: A very small whole oilseed in the shape of a kidney from the poppy flower. Used in many bread and pastry recipes.

Poppy Seed Chicken

Step One: Preheat Oven – Gather Ingredients

Preheat your oven (350°F) = (176°C). Gather your ingredients so you’re ready to make the recipe.

Step Two: Combine Chicken, Soup, and Sour Cream

Grab a large bowl and combine the cubed chicken, the 2 cans of soup, and sour cream to create a creamy chicken mixture.

Step Three: Add Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, and Lemon Juice – Mix

Now, add the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly.

Step Four: Crush Ritz Crackers

Crush the Ritz crackers with a rolling pin in a bag, or chop using a food processor, if you have one.

Step Five: Combine Ritz Crackers, Poppy Seeds, and Butter

In another medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, the poppy seeds, and melted butter, mix until crackers are covered with butter. I only used 1-1/2 rolls of the Ritz crackers.

Step Six: Spray Dish – Spread Chicken – Top with Cracker Mixture – Bake

Spray some nonstick cooking spray in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, pour and spread the chicken and sour cream mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Now, sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken pieces. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the sheet of foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Finished Product

We serve it with rice or mashed potatoes, I really like the flavor and texture of Jasmine, basmati, or long-grain rice. Enjoy!

Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe

How do I store Poppy Seed Chicken after baking it?

I place the leftovers in a Tupperware-type container and place it in the fridge for 2-3 days at the most.

Can I freeze this recipe after baking it?

It’s a great recipe to freeze in serving size portions, or in family size portions wrapped tightly in an airtight container and placed in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can, but it will change the flavor from chicken to mushroom, but it would work. Another variation would be to use cream of celery soup.

I really love and highly recommend using the cream of chicken soup. It has a very mild flavor and creamy texture which works perfect with the sour cream, the other ingredients, and the buttery Ritz cracker topping. It really is the perfect comfort food!

Could I add any additional ingredients to this casserole recipe?

I really love how the ingredients come together in this creamy chicken poppy seed casserole. The combination of the chicken, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup provides it with a delicious savory base. If you were to add anything, I would recommend adding some veggies such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peas, mushrooms, or a can of or frozen mixed vegetables. Adding some fresh herbs such as parsley, might be a fun addition.

Some may like to add a little cheesiness such as fresh parmesan cheese or grated cheddar cheese. I love the recipe as is, but it is always fun to take a recipe and customize to your family’s liking.

Can I skip the Ritz crackers as the topping?

I wouldn’t skip the Ritz crackers, but then I like a little “crunchy” on top of casseroles.

Are poppy seeds safe for kids?

Poppy seeds may be given to babies after one year of age (ask your doctor to confirm). There is some controversy over poppy seeds, it may be best to consult with your medical professional. When in doubt, skip the poppy seeds. 6 Emerging Benefits of Poppy Seeds

What can I serve with Poppy Seed Chicken?

• Cooked Rice
• Mashed Potatoes
• Cooked Carrots
• Steamed Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Cooked Frozen Corn
• Baked Apples
• Brussels Sprouts
• Asparagus
• Cooked Pasta

Check out these other savory chicken dishes!

• The Best Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
• Chicken Enchilada Recipe
• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Final Word

Please let me know if you have a Poppy Seed Chicken casserole recipe, is it similar? Or what do you add to yours?

I really love the buttery Ritz crackers on the top of this creamy chicken casserole. It’s all about cooking from scratch and teaching our kids and grandkids how to use a recipe. Please stock when you can find the things you need or want. May God Bless this world, Linda