Classic Poppy Seed Chicken has the most amazing cream-based sauce and a buttery, Ritz cracker topping that we just can’t get enough of. This casserole is simple to make and quick to prepare before letting your oven do the rest of the work.
We are suckers for a creamy casserole with a Ritz topping. There is something so delicious and addicting about that creamy sauce and buttery Ritz topping that makes us keep coming back for more. It’s a rarity to not go back for seconds and thirds, which means the whole family ends up fighting over that last piece. You can set aside that cream of chicken soup though, because we are sticking with whole ingredients and making it from scratch. The flavor simply can’t be beat, and you’ll feel good knowing exactly what went into your dinner. We know you’ll love this one as much as we do!
Chicken Options:
We don’t always have the time to cook up chicken breasts the day of, and this recipe really doesn’t require that kind of time commitment anyway. You’re welcome to bake, boil, or cook chicken on the stovetop as needed, but don’t feel bad if you just prefer using store-bought pre-cooked chicken, or shredding a rotisserie chicken. We won’t judge.
Can I make Poppy Seed Chicken gluten-free?
You absolutely can! Whether you are avoiding gluten or just trying to reduce carbohydrate intake, you can swap out the Ritz crackers for your preferred gluten-free or keto crackers.
Serving Suggestions:
We prefer to serve this over a bed of rice with a side of broccoli and a green salad, but you can serve with your favorite sides, or even just by itself!
Freezer Instructions:
You’ll want to freeze this dish before baking. Prepare your casserole, but do not add the Ritz cracker topping. Cover your baking dish with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Be aware that cream based sauces can change texture and consistency when frozen and thawed.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, and add the Ritz topping immediately before popping in the oven. Cook time will need to be slightly adjusted and cooked longer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat smaller portions in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through, or you may reheat a large portion in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious casserole recipes:
Classic Poppy Seed Chicken
- 4 cups cooked cubed chicken , or shredded lightly (about 2 lbs)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/8 cup lemon juice , freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups Ritz crackers , crushed
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 4 tablespoons salted butter , melted
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 pan. Spread the cooked, cubed chicken out in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Sauce
- Melt butter in n a small sauce pan over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and continuously stir until well combined and the mixture turns a deep golden color, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Stir until all ingredients are smooth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-6 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix well. Remove from heat and pour over chicken layer in the 9×13 pan.
Topping
- Add crushed Ritz cracker crumbs to a small mixing bowl. Add in melted butter and toss to combine. Stir in 2 teaspoons poppy seeds. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole in an even layer.
- Bake the casserole at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly and browned. Serve hot.
Nutrition
