A comforting and flavorful chicken casserole with a crunchy topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Simmering the chicken keeps it tender and juicy.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Mixing the ingredients well ensures a consistent flavor.
Layer the chicken pieces over the creamy mixture in the baking dish.
Distribute the chicken evenly for uniform servings.
Place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them gently. Mix in the poppy seeds and melted butter, then sprinkle this topping over the chicken.
Crushing the crackers in a bag minimizes mess.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Keep an eye on the topping to prevent over-browning.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Poppy Seed Bake!
Cooling allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.