Betty Croome'S Poppy Seed Chicken
Betty Croome's Poppy Seed Chicken is a comforting casserole featuring tender chicken mixed with creamy soups, sour cream, and a touch of poppy seeds for a nutty flavor. Topped with crunchy crackers and baked to perfection, it's an ideal dish for family dinners or potlucks that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 fryers, stewed or baked and cut in bite size ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 small carton sour cream ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 or 4 Tbsp. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. crackers, coarsely crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 stick oleo, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the stewed or baked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chopped celery, chopped pimento, and poppy seed in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Top with coarsely crumbled crackers and melted oleo.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the chicken mixture. You can substitute the cream of chicken and mushroom soups with homemade versions for a healthier twist. If you want a crunchier topping, use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of crumbled crackers. This dish is versatile and can easily be adjusted to match your taste preferences, much like Easy Chicken Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a delightful twist, complement your meal with a side of Carrot and Vegetable Stew, creating a colorful and nutritious dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven method will maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty Croome'S Poppy Seed Chicken contains roughly 509 calories, with 28g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (63% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1581mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or baked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. This not only saves time but enhances the flavor of the dish by incorporating seasoned chicken.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that maintains the creaminess while adding a bit of tang. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).