Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with the fresh zing of lemon paired beautifully with savory chicken and poppy seeds. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep, great for feeding a family, and ideal for meal prep or potlucks. It’s a unique take on traditional casseroles that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie works great)
- Cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
- Sour cream
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Poppy seeds
- Ritz crackers or buttery crackers (for topping)
- Butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded or cubed chicken and poppy seeds until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add cooked rice or pasta to make it a full one-dish meal.
- Mix in steamed broccoli or peas for added vegetables.
- Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor.
- Add shredded cheese to the filling for a cheesy version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This casserole freezes well—assemble it without the cracker topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping before baking after thawing in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.
What crackers work best for the topping?
Ritz crackers are traditional, but any buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Is there a substitute for poppy seeds?
You can omit them or use chia seeds if you want a similar look and texture.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice complement it well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers to make the recipe fully gluten-free.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream and soup substitutes, and ensure the crackers are dairy-free as well.
Can I add veggies directly into the casserole?
Yes, add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two separate pans and extend the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
This Lemon Poppyseed Chicken Casserole is a creamy, tangy, and comforting dish with a delightful crunch and a burst of citrus flavor. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its bright twist on a cozy classic, this casserole is sure to become a refreshing favorite in your recipe rotation.
PrintLemon Poppyseed Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Lemon Poppyseed Chicken Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish with a zesty lemon twist and crunchy cracker topping. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or other buttery crackers)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in cooked chicken and poppy seeds until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add cooked rice or pasta to make it a full one-dish meal.
- Mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Freeze assembled casserole without topping; add topping just before baking after thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
