Chicken Broccoli Poppy Seed Casserole

This Chicken Broccoli Poppy Seed Casserole is a warm, comforting dish with a crunchy Ritz topping that everyone will love!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Servings: 6 servings

1/2 cup salted butter
1 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
seasoned salt to taste
8 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
3 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10 to 12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets thawed and patted dry with paper towels
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
2 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers

In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with black pepper and seasoned salt to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then, fold in the shredded cooked chicken, thawed broccoli florets, and poppy seeds. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture with the cooked white rice. Stir until well combined and then transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the coarsely crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and make it easier to scoop. Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Poppy Seed Casserole warm, and watch as it disappears from the table!