Poppy Seed Chicken is one of the best creamy homemade casseroles (with no canned “cream of” soups). I literally can’t get enough!
Shredded chicken is mixed in an easy homemade cream sauce with poppy seeds. Serve this dish over rice or potatoes!
Easy from Scratch
Chicken casseroles are pretty common, but what sets this recipe apart, and why we love it, is the rich and creamy sauce! It’s made from scratch and has so much flavor!
This dish can be made up to 48 hours before baking (store the topping separately) and baked at meal time.
The crispy, crunchy topping gives it the final touch!
Ingredients & Variations
DAIRY
Super creamy! A combo of cream cheese, sour cream, and light cream are blended together with chicken & savory spices.
TOPPING
This casserole is topped with crushed corn flakes or use butter crackers if that’s what you have on hand.
ADDITIONS
Why not add some frozen peas or sliced mushrooms for a heartier casserole? Even a can green chiles can put an entirely new spin on poppy seed chicken! Give a try!
How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken
Poppy seed chicken comes together easily for a delicious entree that’s sure to be a hit!
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- Soften onion in butter. Add flour (per recipe below).
- Whisk in broth & cream until thick and creamy. Stir in cream cheese.
- Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle with topping.
- Bake until topping is browned & casserole is bubbly.
Serve over rice, pasta, or potatoes!
Tips
- This recipe starts with a roux (which simply means equal amounts of butter and flour).
- When adding the liquid, add a little at a time stirring until smooth after each addition. It will be very thick at first.
- Start with room temperature cream cheese so it is easier to blend in the cream sauce.
- Dairy can burn easily, so keep the burner on medium and whisk until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- If making ahead of time, store the topping separately and add just before baking.
Delicious Casserole Recipes
- Cheesy Chicken Casserole – cheesy & creamy
- Baked Penne Casserole
- Taco Stuffed Pepper Casserole – hearty & comforting
- Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – easy to make
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole – with alfredo sauce
Did you make this Poppy Seed Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Poppy Seed Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
Cream Sauce
- 1 onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup light cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
Topping
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes or buttery round crackers
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a saucepan, cook onion, garlic, and poultry seasoning in butter over medium heat until tender. Add flour and cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in broth and cream a little bit at a time until smooth. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream and cook until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and combine chicken, poppy seeds, cream sauce, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Spread into an 8x8 serving dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over top.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve over rice or pasta.
Notes
- This recipe starts with a roux (which simply means equal amounts of butter and flour). When adding the liquid, add a little at a time stirring until smooth after each addition. It will be very thick at first.
- Start with room temperature cream cheese so it is easier to blend in the cream sauce.
- Dairy can burn easily, so keep the burner on medium and whisk until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- If making ahead of time, store the topping separately and add just before baking.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
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Thankyou for a wonderful recipe without using disgusting canned soups.
Everyone loved it. Thankyou Holly
I am so happy to hear this recipe was a hit Sami!
Thankyou Holly for not having any expensive crapy canned soups in this recipe. We despise canned soups in our home…however I know you have to include them for those who don’t. You are just a wonderful cook!
Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Sami!
This is one of my favorite comfort dishes. It’s has simple creamy flavors and is perfect when I am craving a home cooked comforting meal. It also makes a great freezer meal.
Good but a little bland. I added roasted red peppers and a few more seasonings. I would definitely make it again.
Delicious! I added sauteed mushrooms just because we love them!
Your version sounds delicious Melissa!
What did you serve with this, did you put it over something like rice or perhaps pasta? It sounds delightful. Do the poppy seeds make a difference?
Hi Donna, we love to serve over rice or pasta. The poppy seeds add a slightly nutty flavor to the dish. You can omit them if you prefer but it will change the flavor.
Since the recipe has so many rich ingredients (butter, cream cheese, sour cream) I am wondering about using regular whole milk in place of the cream? Cream is not an ingredient I buy because I have a hard time finding it with out the additive carrageenan. The recipe looks delicious!
I think it should work just fine. It might be a little bit less creamy but still delicious.
I use Silk dairy free heavy cream. Works great!
can’t wait!
I can’t wait to try this. I have sodium issues and can’t use the “cream of xxx” canned soup due to the sodium levels. I would love to see you put out more recipes that replace the canned creamed soups!