Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken, rice, broccoli, and the best buttery crunch on top!
author’s note
A Childhood Favorite, Made From Scratch
I don’t usually crave casseroles, but this one is the exception! My mom made Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole all the time growing up, and it was one of my favorites, right up there with her creamy tuna pasta.
Her version used cream of chicken soup, like so many classic casseroles do, and I loved every bite. For this version, I wanted to make it from scratch with a quick homemade cream sauce, and it makes the casserole extra creamy, cheesy, and so good.
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | Stick with basmati here since it works best with this quick boiling method. |
| Broccoli | Cut into small, even pieces and dry well after boiling so the sauce doesn’t get watered down. |
| Chicken | Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this recipe extra quick. Chop it small so every bite gets some. |
| Milk, stock, sour cream & Cheddar | Skip skim milk in this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole so the sauce doesn’t end up too thin. |
| Panko & butter | Toast the panko first for the best crispy, buttery topping. |
Quick Tip
Sharp Cheddar gives the casserole more flavor than mild. Freshly shred it so the sauce melts smoothly and doesn’t turn greasy.
How To Make Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Prep: Rinse the rice, boil the broccoli for a few minutes, then drain and dry it well.
- Cook Rice: Boil the rice until tender, then drain and spread it in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Layer: Add the broccoli and chicken evenly over the rice.
- Make Sauce: Whisk the sauce until smooth and creamy, then stir in the poppy seeds.
- Bake: Top with cheese and toasted panko, then cover and bake until bubbly.
Chelsea’s Notes
What To Serve On The Side
- Garden salad: Keeps the meal fresh and simple.
- Cucumber salad: Crisp and fresh next to this creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
- Fruit salad: A sweet, easy side that everyone loves!
- Dinner rolls: Great for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted carrots: Easy, colorful, and great with chicken.
Storage
Leftover Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole?
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
More Comfort Food Favorites:
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is classic comfort food made even better with a quick homemade cheese sauce!
Ingredients
- 4 heaping cups fresh broccoli cut into small pieces (11 ounces)
- 1-1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups milk see note 1
- 1 cup chicken broth I like Swanson best
- 2 cups extra sharp Cheddar cheese freshly shredded, divided
- 1 cup sour cream regular or light
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard see note 2
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper
Topping
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs see note 3
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the water runs clear. Set aside. Bring 12 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon salt and the chopped broccoli. Boil for 3 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer broccoli to paper towels. Let dry completely.
- Return the water to a full boil, then add the rinsed rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for exactly 10 minutes. Do not reduce the heat. Taste to make sure rice is tender; if needed, cook 1 more minute. Drain rice in a fine-mesh sieve and let stand for 5 minutes to dry. Spread rice in an even layer in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add broccoli on top once it is completely dry.
- Chop the chicken to get 3 cups. Add evenly over the broccoli and rice
- Sauce: Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a thick paste. Whisk constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup milk, then 1/2 cup chicken broth, whisking constantly. Add another 1/2 cup milk, the remaining 1/2 cup broth, and the remaining 1/2 cup milk. Whisk until smooth and nicely thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 and 1/2 cups cheese, a small handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Add sour cream and whisk until smooth. Stir in chicken bouillon powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. I add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in poppy seeds.
- Pour sauce evenly over the casserole and spread to coat. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add panko and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Sprinkle toasted panko evenly over the cheese. Cover casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges. Serve hot.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: I use 1% milk for a lighter sauce. Use 2% or whole milk for a creamier sauce. Avoid skim or plant-based milk.
Note 2: Dijon adds a little tang. Reduce or skip it if you’re not a fan.
Note 3: Crushed Ritz crackers also work. Panko is crunchier than regular breadcrumbs and is usually near the breadcrumbs or in the Asian food section.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave individual portions in short bursts. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 572mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1014IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
