We have a birthday in the family today! Our third-born, Asher, turned 11 at 3:42 this morning. His birth, which matches his personality in so many ways, was probably my favorite. Not sharing the details here, so don’t worry!! For at least the last 8 birthdays, the dinner request has been the same: Poppyseed Chicken.
Calling all parents of picky eaters: this recipe is for you! Non-picky eaters and adults like it too, at least the first 50 times you make it… Can I make a confession here? For this one night, I’m thankful to be temporarily living in a dorm. I’ve hit my threshold of Poppyseed Chicken for a time. And so I pass the Poppyseed Chicken torch along to you… It’s time for it to shine in your homes! Look how steamy and delicious it could be at your family birthdays…
The original recipe calls for a can of condensed cream of chicken soup. I used that for years, until I started backing away from processed foods (not including gummy bears, hot cheetos, the crackers in this recipe, etc…). I’ve included the recipe I use in lieu of the canned soup. Also, I often use plain yogurt rather than sour cream. I like the taste better when I use sour cream. But since the nutritional value is not super high on this recipe, I usually find myself using the yogurt. Serve it over rice (or not, for the super picky kids. I have one that loved rice for years and now refuses to touch it).
I must say, birthdays in Fort Collins are my favorite. Breakfast at Snooze is always requested. Isn’t the candle in butter of the Graceland Pancake (banana, bacon, peanut butter and honey) so fun? And the birthday boy so cute? I do hope you are drooling over my chilaquiles because they were amazing. I am actively trying to get them to open a Snooze at home. Local friends, wouldn’t you love a brunch restaurant in the open space across from Mod?
Later tonight we will grab fancy donuts in lieu of vanilla cupcakes and then go to the drive-in movie theater. Many people hate it, but it’s nothing but love for me. Who wouldn’t want to be outside watching movies with their kids until 1:30 am? Double header on the screen is perfect for this birthday celebration: Toy Story 4, followed by Aladdin!!
Poppyseed Chicken
Ingredients
For the Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
-OR-
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
For the Casserole
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and chopped into roughly 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 32 Ritz-style crackers, crushed
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.
For the Cream of Chicken Soup
-
Combine the chicken broth and 1/4 cup of the milk in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to low.
-
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour, seasonings, and remaining 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Pour the flour mixture into the saucepan with the broth and stir continuously, whisking as the mixture simmers over low heat. Continue to whisk until thick, about 5-10 minutes.
For the Casserole
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Combine chicken, soup, sour cream or yogurt and poppy seeds in a 3-quart baking dish. Mix the crackers and melted butter together in a bowl, and sprinkle on top of the chicken.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly around the edges. Serve over rice.
Notes
Source: Family friend, Jessamyn 🙂