Poppy Seed Chicken
Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, Poppy Seed Chicken is comfort food at its finest! Tender chicken, broccoli and rice are combined with a rich, creamy sauce, then topped with a golden layer of buttery Ritz crackers for that irresistible crunch.
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If there’s one dinner that never fails to get cheers at my table, it’s this poppy seed chicken casserole. It’s creamy, comforting, and totally satisfying—one of those meals that somehow disappears the minute it hits the table. Between the tender chunks of chicken, the warm bites of broccoli, rice and that crispy, buttery Ritz topping, every bite is a little bit of magic.
I started making this on busy weeknights when I needed something hearty but fuss-free, and now it’s a family favorite that gets requested all the time. Even my pickiest eater goes back for seconds! The best part is—it’s pretty much a complete meal all in one dish. You’ve got your protein, your veggie, and your starch all baked together in creamy, cozy perfection.
Loved the recipe! It was soooo easy. I added 1/4 c. slivered almonds to the cracker topping and thought it turned out awesome. My husband says he can’t wait for the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
— Melissa
Ingredients you’ll need
This poppy seed chicken recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients you may already have on hand. From creamy soup and sour cream to tender chicken and broccoli, every layer brings comfort and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Broccoli: I like to cut the broccoli florets really small (even smaller than what you see pictured), so they’re easier to eat.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this super easy, but any cooked chicken works.
- Soup: Use cream of chicken, celery, or cream of mushroom soup—or mix them for even more flavor depth.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
- Cooked rice: White or brown rice both work great. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.
- Poppy seeds: Just a tablespoon adds a little texture and a nostalgic classic casserole touch.
- Topping: Crushed buttery crackers mixed with melted butter create the golden, crunchy finish that makes this casserole irresistible. Be sure to sprinkle evenly for the perfect buttery bite in every spoonful!
Variations
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for extra creaminess and cheesy goodness.
- Double the topping: Love that buttery crunch? Go all in and use 1½ sleeves of Ritz for an extra-thick, golden topping.
- Swap the broccoli: Use green beans, peas, or a mix of frozen veggies to change up the vegetable.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or onions: These boost the savory flavor and add more texture to the filling.
- Make it spicy: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Poppy Seed Chicken
Ingredients
- 3½-4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces (2 florets; about 11 ounces)
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded (I like to use rotisserie chicken)
- 2 (10 oz) cans cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery works too (I like to use 1 can cream of chicken and 1 can cream of mushroom)
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 32) buttery round crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt (about 1 teaspoon per 4 cups of water). Once boiling, toss in the chopped broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Drain.
- Stir the broccoli, chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, rice, and poppy seeds in a large bowl. Mix well to completely combine.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Place Ritz crackers in a plastic bag and gently crush them. Pour melted butter in the bag with the crackers and shake to combine. Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Uncover the casserole and broil for 1-2 minutes, until topping is golden and crisp. Keep a close eye on your casserole as it broils, it can burn quickly!
- Cool 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
- Storing leftovers. Place any leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to about 4 to 5 days.
- To reheat. Pop individual servings in the microwave and cook for 30 second intervals until it’s warm. You can also place the entire dish in the oven at 350ºF. If using the oven, loosely cover with foil and place the dish on the center rack for 15 to 25 minutes, until warmed through (the larger the serving, the longer the cook time).
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How to make poppy seed chicken
Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the chopped broccoli, and cook for 3 minutes. Then drain well.
Step 2. Stir the broccoli, chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, rice, and poppy seeds in a large bowl. Mix well to completely combine.
Step 3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
Step 4. Place Ritz crackers in a plastic bag and gently crush them. Pour melted butter in the bag with the crackers and shake to combine.
Step 5. Sprinkle the crushed ritz crackers evenly over the chicken mixture. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Step 6. Uncover and broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes until the topping is golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful tips
- Chop broccoli small: Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and blends into the casserole without overpowering each bite. I actually like to cut it smaller than what is pictured.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time and effort by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and shreds easily.
- Add cheese for extra creaminess: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a cheesy twist that adds richness to every bite.
- Rice: For the rice, I like to use Uncle Ben’s Minute Rice. It cooks quickly and works well for the casserole.
- Watch the broiler: Keep a close eye while broiling the topping. Cracker crumbs brown fast and can burn quickly, just 1–2 minutes is usually perfect.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking.
You can leave them out! The flavor will be the same, and the dish will still be delicious and creamy.
I usually go for leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can quickly make your own. Just boil about 4 boneless chicken breasts for 20 minutes, then chop them up. Or, bake them on a sheet pan at 400°F for around 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and the juices run clear. You could also use leftover grilled chicken.
Pairing options
My creamy poppy seed chicken casserole is a satisfying meal all on its own, but if you want to add a side, a fresh salad is the perfect complement. I love pairing it with my easy kale salad or shredded Brussels sprouts salad—both bring a refreshing balance to the creamy dish.
Pressed for time? A simple bagged salad from the store works just as well. And don’t forget the bread! Whether homemade, store-bought, or frozen, soft dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up every delicious bite.
Storage recommendations
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making leftovers just as tasty!
- Freezer: You can freeze the fully baked casserole or just the assembled (unbaked) version. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely first.
- To reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. This helps the cracker topping crisp up again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until hot, but the topping won’t be as crunchy. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More easy casserole recipes you’ll love
If you try this, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Loved the recipe! It was soooo easy. I added 1/4 c. slivered almonds to the cracker topping and thought it turned out awesome. My husband says he can’t wait for the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your comment!