Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option that is sure to become a family favorite. This creamy and flavorful dish offers a refreshing twist to your usual dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or looking to impress guests, this recipe is the perfect choice for a memorable meal.
To create this delectable dish, you’ll combine tender, cubed or shredded chicken with a luscious mixture of condensed cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and a medley of additional flavorings. Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pepper add depth and zing to the dish, elevating its taste to new levels. The crowning glory of Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is its crunchy topping made from crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds, which adds a delightful texture and visual appeal.
Not only is Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken a flavorful choice, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli, providing a balanced and nutritious dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is the perfect recipe to add variety and excitement to your table.
Key Takeaways:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is a flavorful and unique dinner option that your whole family will love.
- This recipe combines cubed or shredded chicken with a creamy mixture of condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- The dish is elevated with additional flavorings like Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pepper.
- A crunchy topping made from crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds adds texture and visual appeal.
- Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken plain or over rice, and enjoy it alongside steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken
To make the delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (or shredded) | 5 cups |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Condensed cream of chicken soup | 2 (10.75 ounce cans) |
| Ritz crackers, crushed | 2 cups (about 1 1/2 rolls of crackers) |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Poppy seeds (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooked rice (optional) | 2 cups |
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding optional ingredients mentioned in the succeeding sections.
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken
To enjoy the delicious flavors of Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken, follow these simple instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place cubed chicken in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the condensed soup and sour cream. Optional: Add Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pepper for additional flavorings.
- Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
- Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve the Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken plain or over rice. It pairs well with steamed broccoli.
Prepare to indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken:
- For a tangier taste, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to add a unique texture.
- If you prefer a creamier dish, increase the amount of sour cream and condensed soup.
Optional Ingredients for a Fancy Twist
If you want to make the Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken a little fancier, you can add the following optional ingredients to the sour cream mixture:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Freezing Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken
If you want to enjoy Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken at a later time, you’ll be glad to know that it can be frozen for up to 3 months. By following these freezing instructions, you can have a delicious and convenient meal ready whenever you need it.
To freeze the casserole, prepare it up to step 3 of the recipe. Once you have the chicken and the soup mixture combined in the casserole dish, you can put the crushed Ritz crackers with butter in a separate baggie.
Image:
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken, simply follow these steps:
- Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This will ensure that the chicken and the sauce thaw evenly and properly.
- Once the casserole is completely thawed, proceed with baking it as directed in the recipe. However, keep in mind that you may need to add about 10 minutes to the bake time since the casserole is starting from a cold state.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Tips for Thawing and Reheating:
If you’re in a hurry and need to thaw the frozen casserole quickly, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. However, be sure to transfer it to a microwave-safe container to prevent any potential safety hazards.
To reheat individual portions of Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken, you can use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in one-minute increments until heated through. If using the oven, place the portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (180°C) until warmed to your liking.
Table: Freezing Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken
Here’s a breakdown of the freezing and reheating instructions for Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the casserole up to step 3 of the recipe. |
| 2 | Place the crushed Ritz crackers with butter in a separate baggie. |
| 3 | Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. |
| 4 | Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. |
| 5 | Bake the casserole according to the recipe, adding 10 minutes to the bake time if needed. |
| 6 | Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). |
Nutritional Information for Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken
The nutritional information for Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, a general estimate is as follows:
Calories: 826 kcal
Fat: 45g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 66g
Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is not only flavorful and delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Enjoy this mouthwatering dish guilt-free, knowing that it satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
In Conclusion
Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a refreshing and unique dinner option. Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. With its creamy and flavorful combination of ingredients, it’s no wonder that Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken is a popular choice among casseroles. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its zesty and satisfying flavors.
FAQ
Can Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken be made without chicken breasts?
Yes, Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken can be made with shredded chicken instead of cubed chicken breasts. Simply cook the chicken and shred it before adding it to the casserole dish.
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz crackers?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers to create a unique flavor. However, Ritz crackers are recommended for their buttery taste that complements the dish.
Can I make Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken without sour cream?
While sour cream adds creaminess to the dish, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and milk for a similar effect.
Can I freeze Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken without baking it?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Simply prepare the dish up to step 3 and freeze it. Thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Can Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken be served with a different side dish instead of rice?
Absolutely! Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken pairs well with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a mixed green salad.
Can I double the recipe to feed a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes to bake, or until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Can I omit the poppy seeds in Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken?
Yes, if you prefer not to use poppy seeds, you can leave them out of the recipe. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious without them.
Can I use a different type of condensed soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of condensed soup such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery to customize the dish to your preferences.
Can I make Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken in advance and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed since it will start from a cold state.
