The Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole combines buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, condensed chicken soup, creamy sour cream, and delicate shredded chicken. It has a beautiful, crunchy crust on top and is rich and creamy. This dish, which gets its name from the nutty poppy seeds that are strewn on top, is incredibly comforting with every bite.
Ingredients:
- Use 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken.
- Add 1 cup sour cream.
- Stir in 1 can cream of chicken soup.
- Melt 1 stick unsalted butter.
- Crush 1 sleeve Ritz crackers.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon poppy seeds.
- Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Finish with ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How to make Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Set the oven’s temperature to 175°C (350°F).
- Coat a medium baking dish with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, and shredded chicken.
- Add black pepper and garlic powder to season the mixture.
- When the butter is completely liquid and golden, melt it.
- Add the melted butter to the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Fill the baking dish with the chicken mixture.
- Using a spoon or spatula, spread it evenly.
- On top, scatter the buttery cracker crumbs.
- Next, liberally distribute poppy seeds throughout the casserole.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Before serving, let it cool for five minutes.
- Scoop and enjoy each crunchy, creamy bite.
Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe Variations:
- Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Poppy Seeds. Incorporate strong cheddar cheese to enhance each bite’s flavor and depth. Stir the chicken mixture with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Over the buttery cracker topping, scatter an additional ½ cup. The casserole becomes a melty, creamy delight thanks to this little modification. Cheddar perfectly counterbalances the tang of the sour cream. When baked and browned, it also gives a gooey texture. For variation, you can also use Colby or Monterey Jack.
- Casserole with Poppy Seeds for Mushroom Lovers. For a flavorful, earthy depth, add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture. Slice one cup of mushrooms. Saute them quickly in butter until aromatic and golden. Then mix them directly into the creamy foundation. The mushrooms have a woodsy taste and amazing texture. Serve this variation with steaming green beans on the side for a great combination. You can also use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Lighter Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Greek Yogurt. For a protein-rich, lighter variation, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Use one cup of Greek yogurt that is full-fat. It reduces excess fat and calories while maintaining the casserole’s creamy texture. Greek yogurt gives it a smoother texture and a subtle tang. There will not be much of a difference in taste or richness. Also, use less butter for the topping and lower-fat crackers. This variant is gentler on your waist while still feeling decadent.
How To Store This Recipe?
- 📦In The Fridge: Cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Then refrigerate for up to 3 days for the best texture.
- ❄️ In The Freezer: Assemble the casserole fully, then wrap it tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months without baking first.
- 🔥 To Reheat: Bake refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 20 minutes. If frozen, bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and finish.
Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe Nutrition Facts
3 cups shredded chicken provide 690 calories and 60g protein.
1 cup sour cream contributes 445 calories and 5g protein.
1 can cream of chicken soup adds 300 calories and 6g protein.
1 stick unsalted butter delivers 810 calories and 92g fat.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers brings 640 calories and 10g saturated fat.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds adds 46 calories and 4g dietary fiber.
½ teaspoon garlic powder supplies trace minerals and a hint of vitamin C.
¼ teaspoon black pepper offers antioxidants and small amounts of potassium.
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sticky Ribs
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Glazed Ribs
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Cheese Fondue

Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Description
The Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole combines buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, condensed chicken soup, creamy sour cream, and delicate shredded chicken. It has a beautiful, crunchy crust on top and is rich and creamy. This dish, which gets its name from the nutty poppy seeds that are strewn on top, is incredibly comforting with every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set the oven’s temperature to 175°C (350°F).
- Coat a medium baking dish with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, and shredded chicken.
- Add black pepper and garlic powder to season the mixture.
- When the butter is completely liquid and golden, melt it.
- Add the melted butter to the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Fill the baking dish with the chicken mixture.
- Using a spoon or spatula, spread it evenly.
- On top, scatter the buttery cracker crumbs.
- Next, liberally distribute poppy seeds throughout the casserole.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Before serving, let it cool for five minutes.
- Scoop and enjoy each crunchy, creamy bite.