Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic casserole with the irresistible crunch of poppy seed-crusted Ritz crackers. This Poppy Seed Chicken Broccoli Casserole is not just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken and steamed broccoli florets. Mix gently to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and well-blended. This creates a creamy base for the casserole.
- Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Stir carefully to ensure all ingredients are coated and well-mixed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with poppy seeds. Drizzle melted butter over the cracker mixture and stir until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker and poppy seed mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a crispy golden topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Pairs well with a side salad or rice.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time and extra flavor
- Make sure to steam the broccoli just until tender to prevent mushiness
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking
- Prep can be done ahead of time - assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake when ready
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking and the perfect golden-brown topping
- Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
