This classic poppy seed chicken casserole combines tender cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The result is a creamy, comforting casserole with a crisp golden finish that's perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, and busy weeknights.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown, crisp, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken provides excellent flavor and convenience. For the crispiest topping, add the cracker mixture immediately before baking. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy and moist. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.