One of the secrets to hosting is having a rotation of entrees that you can make with your eyes closed. Why? Because it takes the pressure off your to-do list of what to prepare. My mother always coached me never to try a new recipe for the first time at one of my dinner parties, and I’ve learned she is right. Those new to your recipes are best made just for you to try out and perfect, if they turn out. I love to experiment, but I don’t want the pressure of hoping a dish will be enjoyed by the group.
Enter the Poppyseed Chicken Casserole. My mother didn’t make this a lot for a regular weeknight dinner, I think she tended to save it for dinner parties – and my birthday. It is so easy to assemble, affordable, and you usually already have the ingredients on hand in your pantry. Mr. Twist really likes it, and it makes for even more delicious leftovers. The casserole easily serves 6 people.
The sides – I serve it with rice. Any variety works – jasmine, brown, or wild grain. But here is my time-saving trick: use microwave rice. Zap two pouches in the microwave for a two minutes, and you’ll have delicious, fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time. I typically serve the cassrole over the rice, but you can also make the rice a side dish. Shortcuts are critical to easing the stress of hosting.
I steam a head of broccoli in the microwave, or you can use the air fryer for a crunchier vibe. If you are a rolls gal (like Miss Twist is), I heat a pan of Sister Schubert rolls in the oven, then serve with soft butter.
Dessert is up to you. The casserole is rich, so you could just have a scoop of ice cream or pick up something delicious from your local bakery. Easy peasy.
I hope this inspires you to set a date to host a gathering of 4-6 friends. Let me know if you make the casserole! Be sure to tag @homewithatwist on Instagram so I can give you a shout-out!
Poppyseed Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces. I prefer all white meat, but serve your preferece.
- 1 8 oz tub of sour cream (full fat, do not use low or fat free)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs (about 30-32 crackers)
- 1 TBL poppyseeds
- 1 stick butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a shallow casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray
- Place cut up chicken on the bottom of the casserole dish
- In a small bowl mix soup and sour cream together until creamy.
- Pour soup mixture over the top of the chicken
- Melt the stick of butter in the microwave
- Put crackers in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Add crushed crackers and poppyseeds to the butter and mix.
- Sprinkle cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Let set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
