Chicken casserole with poppy seed dressing is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe elevates the classic by focusing on fresh ingredients and a flavorful, homemade poppy seed dressing. Forget the bland, boxed versions; this recipe delivers a truly satisfying and delicious experience.
What Makes This Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole Different?
Many chicken poppy seed casserole recipes rely on canned soup or pre-made dressings, resulting in a less-than-stellar flavor profile. This recipe focuses on building flavor from scratch, creating a richer, more complex taste that will leave you wanting more. We use fresh herbs, real butter, and a homemade poppy seed dressing that's bursting with fresh lemon juice and a touch of Dijon mustard.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- For the Vegetable Base: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- For the Creamy Sauce: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Poppy Seed Dressing: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried dill, salt and pepper to taste
- For Topping: 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the creamy sauce. Stir in the homemade poppy seed dressing.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: Combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or grilled chicken is a fantastic way to save time and reduce food waste. Just make sure it's fully cooked and shredded or cubed before adding it to the casserole.
What kind of bread crumbs should I use?
Panko bread crumbs create a wonderfully crispy topping, but regular bread crumbs work well too.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What are some variations I can try?
Feel free to experiment! Add cooked pasta, rice, or even some cooked quinoa for extra texture and nutrients. You can also substitute different cheeses, such as cheddar or Gruyere, for the Parmesan. Adding some frozen peas or other vegetables is another great way to customize this recipe.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to the flour used in the creamy sauce and the potential for gluten in the bread crumbs. To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour and use certified gluten-free bread crumbs.
This chicken poppy seed casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and comforting warmth make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy!
