Poppy Seed Chicken Recipe

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

6

Over the years, poppy seed chicken casserole has become a beloved Southern dish. It's simple enough for weeknight dinners, always landing on the table to the cheers of those waiting with forks in hand. Did we mention it's also an outstanding one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze?

By utilizing pantry and refrigerator staples like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and basic cooked chicken, our poppy seed chicken recipe is also a handy, budget-friendly main dish to make for your next church potluck or supper club.

Round out our poppy seed chicken recipe by serving with white or brown rice and a fresh salad.

Southern Living Poppy Seed Chicken in a bowl to serve — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients for Poppy Seed Chicken

Whip up this comforting casserole with six ingredients, two of which are canned soup and buttery crackers. To make poppy seed chicken, you'll need:

Cooked chicken: The main protein in the dish, adding substance to the casserole.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: A creamy base for the casserole that binds the ingredients together.
Sour cream: Enhances the creaminess and richness of the dish, while balancing the flavors with a light tanginess.
Poppy seeds: Add a subtle nutty flavor and crunch to the dish, as well as visual appeal.
Crushed buttery crackers: A crunchy topping for the casserole with a beloved, nostalgic flavor.
Unsalted butter: Binds and helps crisp the buttery cracker topping.

Southern Living Poppy Seed Chicken ingredients — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Use It Up!

Now, what to do with those leftover poppy seeds? For one, you'll certainly be making chicken poppy seed casserole again—we have no doubt. For something on the sweeter side, try a few breakfast poppy seed recipes like lemon-poppy seed cake or Lemon-Poppy Seed Waffles. Trust us, you'll be picking up a new bottle of those little seeds before you know it.

How To Make Poppy Seed Chicken

The filling and topping for this casserole mixes up in minutes, for a satisfying entree on that's on the table in under an hour. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
Step 2. Make casserole filling: Mix together chicken, soup, poppy seeds, and sour cream. Spoon into dish.
Step 3. Make cracker topping: Stir to combine crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
Step 4. Bake casserole: Bake until hot and bubbly.

Poppy Seed Chicken Variations

A dish this simple is just ripe for customization. To switch up poppy seed chicken, consider these variations:

Chicken: Swap the chicken with other proteins, including cooked turkey, diced ham, or shredded cooked pork for a unique flavor profile.
Creamy base: Swap the cream of chicken soup with any "cream of" variety you prefer. Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. As some have noted, a previous version of this recipe called for only eight ounces of sour cream, instead of 16.
Veggies: Add a mix of cooked bell peppers, peas, carrots, or broccoli for color, nutrients, and texture.
Cheesy twist: Stir in or top the chicken with shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or other preferred cheeses.
Herbs: Add parsley, chives, thyme, and more for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Spices: Amp up the flavor with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning for a touch of heat.
Toppings: Swap the buttery crackers with breadcrumbs, or add in sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.
Serve over rice: Community members have commented that serving this dish over rice is a perfect complement.

Can I Make Poppy Seed Chicken Ahead?

Make this dish ahead by assembling the filling and topping in the baking dish as directed. Wrap and refrigerate for up to two days for the freshest flavor, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Let stand at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Poppy Seed Chicken

Refrigerate cooled leftovers of the casserole covered for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat back in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until hot throughout before serving. Make sure to bring the internal temperature of the chicken to 165°F.

What To Serve With Poppy Seed Chicken

Serve poppy seed chicken with steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a vegetable side. Pair with rice, mashed or roasted potatoes, noodles, garlic bread, cornbread, or other preferred sides.

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this chicken dish is a seasoned favorite.

One Southern Living community member commented, "So quick and easy. Guests love this recipe as well!"

Another said, "Yummy! 3 cups of chicken and 2 cups of sour cream and I can of cream of chicken soup! What's not to like?"

Finally, one community member added a well-received twist: "I made extra buttered crackers and pressed them into the bottom of the dish, then put the chicken mixture in. Like a "bottom crust". I also used a rotisserie chicken to save time. It was SUPER! Everyone loves it. It's my new fellowship super go-to recipe!"

Southern Living Poppy Seed Chicken in the casserole dish with a serving removed — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

More Chicken Casserole Recipes You'll Love

Warm, hearty, and satisfying, these chicken casseroles might just be the weeknight meals you've been looking for:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 (10.5-oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
16 oz. sour cream
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
Crushed buttery crackers, like Keebler Town House crackers (about 30)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Prepare oven and baking dish:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 11- x 7-inch baking dish.

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Make casserole filling:

Mix together cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, poppy seeds, and sour cream. Spoon mixture into dish.

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Make cracker topping:

Pour melted butter over cracker crumbs and stir together. Sprinkle over casserole.

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Bake casserole:

Bake for 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make poppy seed chicken ahead?

Yes—this dish can be prepared in advance. Cook through, cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating and serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I freeze poppy seed chicken?

Freeze leftover poppy seed chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before reheating in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for poppy seed chicken?

Any type of cooked chicken, including shredded rotisserie chicken, can be used for poppy seed chicken.