Poppy Seed Chicken

I was introduced to this dish when some lovely ladies from church brought it over. The occasion was when I was in hospital unable to take care of my family as usual. This dish made a delicious supper for my family and was easy for the ladies to put together as well. Just take a look at the simple ingredients. 

Serving this dish is simple as well. It makes nicely in a casserole and can easily be served up. I suggest maybe a salad and rolls for dinner.

6-8 chicken breasts

chicken broth for cooking chicken

8 ounces cream cheese

2 cans cream of chicken soup (I like to use one low fat and one regular can)

one sleeve of Ritz crackers

1 tablespoon poppy seed

1/2-1 stick of butter

Poppy Seed Chicken Ingredients

Cook chicken breasts.  I usually buy boneless skinless breasts to make it easier on myself.  Bring chicken broth to a boil on the stovetop.  Add chicken to broth and turn heat down to get the chicken broth to a low simmer – just moving, but not bubbling a lot.

Broth for cooking chicken

Place lid on pot and cook chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until chicken is white all the way through.  If you use chicken strips, they will be ready earlier, probably after 10-15 minutes. If you’re using bone-in chicken pieces such as leg quarters, it will take longer – closer to 45 minutes.  I like to cook extra chicken to really stuff the casserole with chicken and then use the leftover chicken for homemade chicken salad.

Debone chicken breasts (if not using boneless) and cut them into small chunks.

Cooked Chicken Breasts cut up for Poppy Seed Chicken

Heat cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until melted enough to be easily mixed together.

cream cheese and cream of chicken soup

Cream Cheese and Cream of Mushroom Soup melted Mix chicken into cream cheese/soup mixture.  Place in 9×13 casserole dish or spread out into smaller dishes. 

Poppy Seed Chicken in dish ready for topping

If I’m not cooking the casserole right away, at this point I cover the dish in foil and place in refrigerator until ready to bake (not more than a day or so later). When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 convection).  Crumble one sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix with poppy seed.

Poppy Seed and Ritz Cracker topping

Sprinkle mixture over casserole. Poppy Seed Chicken ready for butter Melt butter and drizzle over the cracker topping.  The original recipe calls for an entire stick of butter, but you can definitely cut back on this and still have a delicious casserole.

Poppy Seed Chicken ready to be baked

Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly.  If you’re using smaller casserole dishes like I did, this will be closer to 25-30 minutes.  Serve hot.