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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers combines tender cooked chicken with a rich, creamy poppy seed sauce and a crisp, buttery cracker topping. This easy comfort-food casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, about 60 crackers, coarsely crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste if needed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt if needed. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
  3. Add the cooked chicken and fold everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken mixture.
  5. Place the Ritz crackers in a bag or bowl and crush them into coarse crumbs, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
  6. Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  7. Scatter the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
  9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but leftover roasted, baked, or poached chicken also works well.
  • Taste the creamy mixture before adding salt because the condensed soup and Ritz crackers already contain sodium.
  • For added vegetables, mix in up to 2 cups cooked and well-drained broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack cheese can be added for a cheesier casserole.
  • For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or a small amount of dried herbs to the filling.
  • When preparing the casserole ahead, refrigerate the chicken filling and keep the cracker topping separate. Add the topping immediately before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • For freezing, freeze the creamy chicken filling without the cracker topping for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add a fresh buttery cracker topping before baking.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven when possible to help maintain the crisp topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/poppy-seed-chicken-casserole-with-ritz-crackers/