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If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and easy to pull together, this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is just the thing. It’s packed with tender chicken, a rich, savory filling, and that buttery cracker topping everyone loves. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to again and again.
Why you’ll love this Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole Recipe
I can’t quite remember who first made this casserole for me. I’m pretty sure it was after I had one of my kids (that was a long time ago, y’all!). During that season, so many sweet friends and family showed up with meals to bless us. Do they do that where you live? It’s truly a Godsend when your hands are as full as your heart is!
Over the years, I’ve made a few small changes to that original recipe. My secret ingredient is adding mayonnaise, just like I do in my broccoli casserole. It gives the filling that perfect creamy texture with a little extra richness. This is truly a family favorite and one my adult kids still ask me to make for them often.
Here’s what makes it special:
❥ Creamy, comforting filling: The blend of sour cream, mayo, and soup makes it rich and smooth without being heavy.
❥ Crunchy, buttery topping: Crushed Ritz crackers with poppy seeds and melted butter create that golden, crispy finish everyone fights over.
❥ Simple ingredients: No fancy groceries or complicated steps — just pantry staples and cooked chicken.
❥ Make-ahead friendly: Prep it ahead or freeze for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
❥ Family approved: Kid-friendly, picky-eater friendly, and always a hit at potlucks or after-church meals.
NikkiWhat You’ll Need to Make Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Use shredded or chopped. It’s a great way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time. My Instant Pot Chicken Recipe works great in this recipe.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A pantry shortcut that adds rich, savory flavor and brings everything together with ease.
- Sour Cream: Adds smoothness and a slight tang to balance the richness of the filling.
- Mayonnaise: Helps bind everything and gives the casserole that creamy, comforting texture.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that build flavor without extra prep.
- Black Pepper & Salt: Add to taste. I use about 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. The salt you need depends on how your chicken was seasoned.
- Buttery Crackers (like Ritz): Crushed for a crisp, golden topping. Use more if you like a thicker crunch.
- Poppy Seeds: Give the topping a subtle nutty flavor and that classic look.
- Salted Butter: Helps crackers crisp up and adds richness to the topping.
How To Make Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray so the casserole doesn’t stick. Set it aside while you mix everything together.
Step 2 | Make the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Then add the cooked chicken and mix until it’s evenly coated.
Step 3 | Layer the Filling in the Baking Dish
Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4 | Mix the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers, poppy seeds, and melted butter. Stir until everything is coated and combined.
Tip: You can crush the crackers right in the sleeve to save time — just press gently and pour them into the bowl.
Step 5 | Add the Topping
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken filling. Make sure it’s fully covered so every bite gets that crunchy, buttery topping.
Step 6 | Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 7 | Let It Rest
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it sets up a bit. Then serve and enjoy!
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs
If you do not have leftover chicken or want to purchase a rotisserie, there are a couple of ways to prepare chicken breasts for this casserole.
Sauté: Place in a sauté pan with 2 tablespoons of butter and cook until the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear, and it is not overcooked. Cook time depends on the size of the chicken breasts, but a good rule of thumb is 5 to 7 minutes.
Boil: Place the chicken in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn down to a rolling simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until done.
Bake: Bake on a sheet pan at 400° for 20 minutes or until juices run clear.
Instant Pot Chicken Breasts (fresh and frozen): Cooking chicken in the IP is quick and makes the chicken so flavorful. It is excellent for food prep.
Nope! You can leave them out if needed. The casserole will still be delicious and creamy. The seeds just add a little texture and that classic touch.
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Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery works if you’re out of cream of chicken or want to switch up the flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli, peas, or mixed vegetables to make it a full meal in one dish.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or sprinkle some on top under the crackers for extra comfort-food flavor.
- Lower Fat Option: Use light sour cream and mayo if you’re looking to cut back a little without sacrificing texture.
What Do You Serve with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
This casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs best with lighter, fresh sides to balance things out. Here are some easy ideas:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli (our favorite), green beans, or asparagus are perfect — they add color and freshness to the plate.
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: If you want to stretch the meal even more, serve it over white rice or with a scoop of mashed potatoes.
- Southern Green Beans: For a down-home comfort meal, serve it with my Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon or Lima Beans.
- Biscuits or Rolls: Add some fluffy buttermilk biscuits or warm dinner rolls for a cozy touch.
More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
- Taco Spaghetti Casserole
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat)
- Mexican Stuffed Shells
- Ground Beef and Sausage Rice Casserole
- Baked Chicken Spaghetti
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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe
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Ingredients
- 5 cups chicken breasts - cooked and shredded or chopped
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper - (or to taste)
- salt - (to taste) this will greatly depend on how your chicken is seasoned
- 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers - (you can use 2 sleeves)
- 1 tablespoon poppy-seeds
- 6 tablespoons salted butter - melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Then lightly spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Make Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked and shredded chicken and mix to combine.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Make Buttery Cracker Topping: In a bowl, combine crushed crackers, poppy seeds, and butter, stirring until the mixture is blended. Then evenly spread the cracker mixture over the chicken mixture.Tip: You can crush crackers directly in the sleeve and then pour them into the bowl to combine.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it set up for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
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We love this comfort food classic! Just like mom used to make! The crunch from the poppy seeds is the best!
I haven’t seen this recipe in years and once I saw it I had to make it again! I love the poppy seeds and it’s so much better than my mom used to make! Don’t tell on me please!
Thank you, Jennifer! This one is a classic for sure! And my lips are sealed!
Yes, this is one of our favorite recipes and I too had a dear friend bring it to me when we had one of our boys. Love that this is simpler and comes together quickly, it was so delicious!
This was so easy and my family loved it!! Thanks for another “keeper” of a recipe! I will be making this one again and again.
I am so glad your family loves it as much as mine does! Thanks for stopping by to let me know!
I made this in an Instant Pot and it came out great. So quick and easy and my whole family loved it!
Awesome! I am going to have to try that soon!
We loved this chicken casserole. It was so easy to put together and creamy delicious!
Thank you so much, Julie! That creamy texture gives this recipe that comfort food goodness!
We serve it over biscuits!
Mary that’s a perfect way to enjoy them!
Chicken and poppy seed – what a neat combo! And I always have rotisserie chicken left over – this would be perfect for that! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up with us over at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again on Friday 🙂 Feel free to bring a friend or two!