Description
Poppy seed chicken brings tender, creamy comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Crispy breadcrumb topping and juicy chicken make this classic casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Warm your oven to a precise 350°F, ensuring the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.
- Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar, ¼ cup poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture becomes completely smooth.
- Arrange 4 chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer that ensures even cooking.
- Pour the creamy poppy seed sauce directly over the chicken, making sure each breast is generously covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese across the top of the dish for a golden, melty finish.
- Strategically place 2 tablespoons of diced butter around the dish to create extra richness and help the top brown beautifully.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 35 minutes, watching for a bubbling sauce and golden-brown cheese surface.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to settle and flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender meat and deeper flavor.
- Toast poppy seeds briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty taste and release additional aroma before adding to the sauce.
- For a lower-carb version, replace cream of chicken soup with heavy cream and add some chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch before baking, creating a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg