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.
Author:Laura
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.