Poppy seed chicken casserole is the ultimate easy comfort food made with rotisserie chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and a buttery cracker topping that everyone goes back for.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
If you’re looking for a dinner thats downright irresistible, this poppy seed chicken is it! It’s creamy, savory, and topped with the most addictive buttery crunch topping. The best part is how simple it is to throw together. This is one of those recipes that tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did.
Using rotisserie chicken keeps prep time to a minimum and pantry staples do all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This one belongs in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken casserole. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Rotisserie Chicken – Adds protein while saving time and keeping the casserole tender.
- Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup – Creates the rich, savory base that holds everything together.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese- Adds a mild, creamy richness and that classic melty, stretchy texture without overpowering the other flavors. I used Pollyo.
- Poppy Seeds – Provide subtle nuttiness and classic flavor without overpowering the dish. Amazon Grocery has a good one!
- Ritz Crackers – Bring a buttery, salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Melted Butter – Binds the topping and helps it bake up golden and crisp.
- Garlic Powder- Adds a warm, garlicy flavor throughout the casserole.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhance all the flavors and keep the dish from tasting flat.
- Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a pop of color to the finish
Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious chicken casserole. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350°
First, in a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and cheese. Spread the mixture to the bottom of a greased 9 x 13” baking dish.
PRO TIP: Be sure to shred the mozzarella yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.
Then, in a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until fully coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
PRO TIP: Don't crush the crackers up too finely and leave it a little chunky. It will brown up and create a really nice texture that way.
Next, place it into the center rack of the oven uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Let the casserole sit to settle and firm up. That way it wont be too runny when its being served.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this can be made ahead of time. Just assemble the casserole it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What Kind Of Cheese Can I Use?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey jack all work great. Feel free to use what you have.
Storage
Let the casserole cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 3-4 Cups Rotisserie Chicken, Shredded
- 2 (10.5) Oz Cans Cream Of Chicken Soup
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbs Poppy Seeds
- 1 Sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 8 Tbs Melted Butter
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese. Spread the mixture to the bottom of a greased 9 x 13" baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz Crackers and melted butter until fully coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Next, place it into the center rack of the oven uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes
If you like super easy to make chicken casserole recipes like this one, you have to try Chicken And Stuffing Casserole, Creamy Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Al Dente Diva says
Hi, I just went back to see where you see that the cheese is added twice but I’m not seeing that maybe I’m missing it? You only add cheese to the mixture and it’s one cup.
Maddy says
Haven’t made it yet but it looks good. I’m confused about the cheese in the recipe. Is some added with soup/sour cream mixture or is the cheese mixed with the chicken?
Maddy says
Haven’t made it yet, I’m confused about the cheese in the recipe. It seems like the cheese is added twice. Do you use half with soup mixture or and half with chicken mixture?