If you grew up in the South, you most likely grew up with Poppy Seed Chicken as a staple. You ate it at potlucks, funerals, and parties, and you loved it for its creamy chicken and buttery topping.
But my family’s Poppy Seed Chicken was always a little different because of one surprising ingredient: water chestnuts. Hey, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Water chestnuts add the perfect amount of crunch without overpowering the taste you already know and love. So, today, I present you with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Water Chestnuts.
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Ingredients for Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Cooked, diced chicken
- cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup
- sour cream
- sliced water chestnuts
- Ritz crackers
- poppy seeds
- melted butter
How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken with Water Chestnuts
This recipe is super easy which is why Poppy Seed Chicken is so popular in the South.
1. Combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water chestnuts in a bowl. Stir well.
2. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and add the chicken mixture.
3. Mix the Ritz cracker crumbs, poppy seeds, and melted butter in a small bowl. Layer it on top of the chicken.
What to Serve with Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
When I plan a menu, I always use a simple formula:
Main Dish + Starch + Vegetable Dish + Dessert
Read The Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Casual Dinner Party Menu for a more in-depth explanation.
When planning a Poppy Seed Chicken menu, rice or French bread would be great starch options, and salad or roasted vegetables would work great as your vegetable side.
Tips & Equipment for Making Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Mixing bowls — this set from Pyrex is both practical and affordable
- 9×13 baking dish — pretty ceramic-coated baking dish
- Some alternative ingredients: You can make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with rotisserie chicken. You can also use low-fat sour cream and homemade cream of chicken soup if you want to make it healthier.
- A layer of rice on the bottom of the casserole works well if you’d like to add a little more heartiness.
- Poppy Seed Chicken is a great meal for a crowd. It’s easy to make large quantities and to make it ahead of time. And everyone always loves it!
Can You Freeze Poppy Seed Chicken with Water Chestnuts?
Yes! If you’re going to freeze it, do it BEFORE you bake it. Then when you want to fix it, just let it thaw in your refrigerator and cook it according to the recipe.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you make it. Tag The Welcoming Table on Facebook!
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Water Chestnuts
Creamy chicken with the perfect amount of crunch, Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Water Chestnuts is great for feeding a crowd or to take to someone who could use a meal.
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups cooked, diced chicken
- 2 cups cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small can sliced, water chestnuts, drained
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
1. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix chicken, soup, sour cream, and water chestnuts in a bowl. Spread into the baking dish.
Melt butter and mix with cracker crumbs and poppy seeds. Sprinkle mixture on top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cracker topping is golden brown.
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