Poppy Seed Chicken is a classic American comfort casserole known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken pieces, buttery Ritz cracker topping, and the signature sprinkle of poppy seeds. This dish is beloved for being simple, cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or meal prep. Its creamy texture and crunchy topping make it irresistibly popular.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Casserole

3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Crunchy Topping

1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
5 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

Combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.

. Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken and poppy seeds. Coat evenly.

Add the Mixture to a Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Make the Topping

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until crumbly.

. Add the Cracker Topping

Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Add a side of:
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- A crisp garden salad
Garnish with parsley for color.

Variations

1. Healthy Version

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Use whole-wheat crackers
Use low-fat cream of chicken soup

2. Cheesy Version

Add:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture

3. Spicy Version