Chicken Poppyseed Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite that takes only 5 minutes of prep. Using cooked or rotisserie chicken makes this a true shortcut dinner.
Serve over fluffy rice with roasted broccoli on the side for the perfect weeknight meal.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Chicken Poppyseed Casserole
- Flavor: Creamy, savory, and cheesy with a hint of lemon and garlic, finished with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping.
- Time-Saver: Rotisserie chicken, pre-shredded cheese, and packaged bacon bits make this recipe especially quick and easy to prep.
- Tools: One mixing bowl and a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, keeping prep and cleanup quick and easy.
Total Time: 40 Mins (5 Mins Prep!) Servings: 8 Cooking Method: Oven
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option, but leftover roasted, baked, or poached chicken works just as well. Leftover turkey is also a great alternative.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a thick, savory sauce without the need to make a separate roux. Replace with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the casserole. Swap with sour cream for an easy one-for-one substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly, adding a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. Monterey Jack is a great alternative.
- Bacon Bits (Optional): They add a smoky, salty flavor and a little extra texture. Precooked bacon is a convenient shortcut, or leave it out.
- Ritz Crackers: Buttery crackers create a crisp, golden topping. Any similar buttery round cracker works well as a substitute.
- Variations: Fold in thawed, well-drained frozen broccoli for a chicken-and-vegetable casserole, or stir frozen peas directly into the filling for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Chicken Poppyseed Casserole
- Combine the chicken, creamy ingredients, cheeses, poppy seeds, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Spread the chicken mixture into a prepared baking dish.
- Combine the Ritz crackers with butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake (full recipe below).
To Make Ahead: Refrigerate the chicken mixture separately, then add the buttered cracker crumbs immediately before baking.
Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, but it is best frozen without the Ritz topping.
- Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator, and then add a fresh buttered cracker crumb topping. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
Easy Creamy Chicken Dinners
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Chicken Poppyseed Casserole
Creamy chicken poppyseed casserole combines tender chicken, cheese, Greek yogurt, and savory seasonings beneath a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It takes just 5 minutes to prep.
Equipment
Ingredients
Casserole
- 4½ cups cooked shredded chicken cut to small bite size pieces
- 1½ (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup about 16 ounces
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup bacon bits or cooked bacon, optional
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Casserole Topping
- 2½ cups ritz crackers crushed
- ½ cup salted butter or 1 stick salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F and grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
- Mix together casserole ingredients and pour into prepared baking dish.
- Mix crushed ritz crackers and melted butter. Crumble topping over casserole mixture.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
Notes
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 963mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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