Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

A Comforting Classic

Few dishes bring as much comfort and warmth as a rich, creamy casserole. Our Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish to feed a hungry family or just craving something wholesome and satisfying, this casserole checks all the boxes. With a creamy base, tender potatoes, and a crisp cheesy topping, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
  • Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the rich and creamy texture.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal.
  • Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences and tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:

  • 7 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Kitchen Equipment Required

To prepare this casserole, you’ll need:

  • A large pot for boiling potatoes
  • A potato masher or hand mixer
  • A large mixing bowl
  • A 2-quart casserole dish
  • A wooden spoon or spatula
  • An oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, cooking them until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  • Drain the potatoes and mash until smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the thawed and drained spinach, sour cream, butter, green onions, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Bake

  • Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish Baking

  • Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences? Here are some delicious modifications:

  • Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon bits, or diced ham for added heartiness.
  • Make it Creamier: Swap sour cream for cream cheese or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
  • Go Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter version.
  • Extra Crunch: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for added texture.
  • Spice it Up: Add a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: If you’d like to freeze it, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with:

  • A Fresh Side Salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a great side.
  • Garlic Bread – A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bite.
  • White Wine – A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! Simply sauté 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted and drain any excess liquid before mixing it in.

2. How do I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a fun twist.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I add chicken?

Definitely! Adding cooked, shredded chicken makes this dish a complete meal on its own.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!

If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes. We’d love to hear from you—leave a comment below and let us know how your casserole turned out!

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