Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

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Poppy seed chicken casserole is a yummy dinner that’s easy to make. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes of prep time. This casserole feeds 6 people and has 593 calories per serving. It’s full of tasty stuff like chicken, cheese, and crunchy Ritz crackers on top.

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, crackers, butter, and poppy seeds. You’ll also use cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. The recipe is simple – you cook the chicken, mix the other items, and bake it all together. In about an hour, you’ll have a warm, cozy meal that everyone will love.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty poppy seed chicken casserole:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz®), crushed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (add more if you like)
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to cook.

Each serving has about 593 calories. It’s a filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Remember to have a 9-inch square baking dish ready. You’ll also need a large pot for cooking the chicken and two mixing bowls.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Put chicken breasts in a big pot. Cover them with water. Boil the water, then turn down the heat. Let the chicken simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on.

Drain the water. Shred the chicken with two forks. Be careful, it’s hot!

Heat your oven to 350°F.

Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds in a bowl. Set this aside.

In another bowl, stir cream of chicken soup and sour cream together. Spread half of this mix in a 9-inch baking dish.

Add a layer of shredded chicken on top. Pour the rest of the soup mix over the chicken. Spread it out with a spoon.

Sprinkle cheese on top. Add the cracker mix as the final layer.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and the sauce should bubble. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before you serve.

Enjoy your yummy poppy seed chicken casserole!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out some ingredients in this poppy seed chicken casserole if needed. Here are a few easy options:

For the chicken:

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken
• Try turkey or pork for a different flavor

Instead of poppy seeds:

• Sesame seeds
• Chia seeds
• Finely chopped nuts

Cracker alternatives:

• Crushed potato chips
• Breadcrumbs
• Panko crumbs

Cream of chicken soup substitutes:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of celery soup
• Homemade white sauce

Sour cream replacements:

• Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese

You can also try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar. Feel free to add veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make this tasty poppy seed chicken casserole more diabetes-friendly with a few simple swaps. Try using whole grain crackers instead of buttery ones to add fiber. Replace half the sour cream with Greek yogurt to cut down on fat and calories.

Opt for low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. These small changes can make a big difference in the dish’s nutritional profile.

To boost the veggie content, add some diced onions, celery, or bell peppers. Mix them in with the chicken for extra nutrients and flavor without many carbs.

Consider using less cheese on top or skipping it altogether. You can sprinkle on a small amount of Parmesan for flavor without adding too many calories.

Here’s a quick list of diabetes-friendly swaps:

• Whole grain crackers
• Greek yogurt (for half the sour cream)
• Low-fat cream of chicken soup
• Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• Added veggies like onions or peppers

Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Stick to a small serving and pair it with a big side salad for a balanced meal. These tweaks can help you enjoy this comfort food while keeping your blood sugar in check.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture. You can also use different types of crackers like butter crackers or cheese crackers for the topping.

To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. Just shred it and add it to the casserole. This cuts down on prep work.

Make sure to crush the crackers finely for a crispy topping. You can use a food processor or put them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Want to make it ahead? Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and pop it in the oven.

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. The topping may lose some crunch, but it will still taste great.

For freezing, prepare the casserole without the cracker topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.