Poppyseed Chicken

Prep Steps

• 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch chunks {do:dice}
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs {do:crush}
• 1/2 cup butter {do:melt}

Sear the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat...

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Add...

• 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Sear until browned on the outside, 4–5 minutes. If the pieces are crowded, work in two batches so they brown instead of steam. Remove from heat.

Note: Don't worry about cooking the chicken all the way through. It finishes in the oven.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Option: Quick Canned-Soup Sauce {id:sauce.canned}

The classic potluck shortcut.

Mix directly into the skillet with the chicken until combined...

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz sour cream

Option: From-Scratch Cream Sauce {id:sauce.scratch, cooktime:+8, cal:+20, fat:+2, sodium:-200}

No cans. A quick butter-and-flour sauce that tastes cleaner and richer.

Scoop the chicken onto a plate, leaving any browned bits in the skillet.

Set the skillet over medium heat and melt...

• 4 tbsp butter

Whisk in...

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Cook, whisking, until bubbling and lightly golden, 1–2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in...

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk

Simmer, whisking often and scraping up the browned bits, until thick enough to coat a spoon, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in...

• 8 oz sour cream
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp [kosher salt]{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet and stir until coated.

Add the Topping

In a small bowl, toss together...

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the chicken.

Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the topping is golden, 20–25 minutes.

While it bakes, cook according to the package directions...

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

Serve the casserole over the warm rice.