Description
This Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in a velvety cream sauce with a crunchy, toasted topping of French fried onions, sliced almonds, and poppy seeds. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start with cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce to coat the chicken.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture. Gently fold to evenly coat all chicken pieces ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top to add a gooey, melting layer.
- Prepare and Add the Topping: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add French fried onions, sliced almonds, and 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds. Toast lightly until golden and fragrant, then evenly sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- Use day-old cooked chicken to prevent mushy texture in the casserole.
- Don’t skip toasting the topping ingredients for extra flavor and a crispy crust.
- Pat chicken dry before mixing to avoid watery casserole.
- Fold ingredients gently to preserve chicken texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg