Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

                                 I love those quick and easy go-to recipes.  Today I am sharing one of my family's favorite.  Actually, no matter what get-together we have with my family, I am asked to bring my Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.  It's so easy to make, but it tastes so delicious.  The Ritz cracker & butter topping make it a richly, yummy dish.  

With my work schedule, I like to have main dishes that I can throw together quickly.  Since this is my daughter's favorite meal I make, I keep it on the menu frequently.  The best part is I can cook the chicken the night before, and then assemble it the next day.  This makes it a really fast meal.






When we lived in Texas, once a month the school where I taught had bring a dish along with copies of the recipe for everyone.   As I was putting this post together, I realized just how much I miss this fun idea.  Not only did we always get to try all kinds of new dishes and recipes, but we would have a collection of recipes to bring home at the end of the day, too!  I think I might need to bring this topic up where I teach now.  

I still have the original recipe, but I have no idea where she actually got the recipe from.   I do make a few adjustments when I make it.  I always double the recipe to have another meal for the week.  

The other adjustment I make is to add more crackers than the original recipe calls for.  Have you noticed just how much a sleeve of Ritz crackers has been reduced??  

                                 

                                      Here's is what you will need:

                                 shredded chicken-  I use chicken breast
                                 1 8oz. carton sour cream
                                 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
                                 1 pkg. crushed Ritz crackers
                                 1 stick melted butter
                                 2 Tbs. poppy seeds

1st Layer -     Spread the shredded chicken in the bottom of a 9 x 12 pan.                

        2nd Layer -   Mix the sour cream and Cream of Chicken together until                                                           smooth, and spread over the chicken.

       3rd Layer -   Melt the stick of butter, and mix with the crackers very well.                                                Stir in 2  tbsp. poppy seeds and layer on top.

                                         
                                         Bake at 350 degrees until hot.

                
                              *** I double everything in the recipe.***

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

I think the best tip I have ever seen on Pinterest was to use my Kitchenaid mixer to shred the chicken!  It is so quick and easy, and shreds the chicken perfectly.  I always cut the chicken breasts into 3 pieces before I toss them in the mixer.  In seconds, the chicken is ready to go!  The amount of time this saves is great.

I did manage to get one quick photo before my family dug in.  It never lasts very long around my house. 

That buttery, crunchy topping is definitely what makes this casserole so delicious!  It definitely is not on the list for a low-fat meal, but sometimes you just have to splurge!

So what is your favorite quick and easy go-to meal?  I am always looking for new dishes to try.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Have a fantastic week!

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