Holy Chicken
Holy Chicken is a comforting casserole featuring tender chicken in a creamy, savory sauce topped with crushed Ritz crackers and poppy seed, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt the chicken and cook until tender.
- Add 2 ribs of celery to the chicken during cooking.
- Cut the cooked chicken into chunks and place in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch casserole dish.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and lemon juice together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the casserole.
- Crush about 36 Ritz crackers and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Mix crushed crackers with 1 stick of melted butter and spread over the top.
- Sprinkle heavily with poppy seed.
- Bake at 350°F until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken while it cooks. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade versions or use cream of mushroom for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comforting choice for family meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holy Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Jalapeno Hot Rice for a flavorful twist. For a hearty addition, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Holy Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holy Chicken contains roughly 187 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% 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! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just ensure it's shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole dish. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully with the sauce and crackers.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Holy Chicken before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal prep option for busy days.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Holy Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. There are many brands available that offer gluten-free options, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish without the gluten.
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).