Poppy Seed Comfort Chicken Casserole
A warm and nostalgic casserole combining shredded chicken, tender rice, and a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy buttery crackers and poppy seeds.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Tender, juicy chicken that anchors the dish.
- 1 cup cooked white rice Soft, fluffy rice that serves as the perfect base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup Creamy, rich soup that adds depth and moisture.
- 1 cup sour cream Velvety sour cream for that luscious comfort factor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp, melted cheese that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a subtle tang that elevates the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds Provides a nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Aromatic and flavorful addition.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds a hint of sweetness and savory depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasonings for bringing the dish to life.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) Crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter Rich butter to enhance the cracker topping's savoriness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Pour in the chicken broth and mix everything together until well-combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated.
- Layer the cracker and butter mixture over the chicken casserole evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden brown top.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for added convenience, and feel free to customize the rice with brown rice or quinoa. Monitor the baking to ensure the topping doesn't over-brown.