Simple Supper Monday, Vol 57: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Somehow, after months and months of no kitchen inspiration, I am stumbling across some amazing recipes. Let me rephrase that - I am being forwarded some awesome recipes from some awesome people. There are a few I have tried and cannot wait to share.

Today's recipe, though, I have not yet personally made. It is on tap for tonight, and I am SUPER excited to taste it! My friend, Jen, shared this recipe with me last week. Her mom prepared it for her on a recent visit. Jen says, "this chicken casserole looks a little scary, but it's actually pretty good. And very easy to make!"

As I was shopping for the ingredients, I had trouble trying to find poppy seeds. Never in my life have I ever needed poppy seeds. So, I searched high and low, unable to find said seeds. After mentioning this to my mother-in-law, she sheepishly provided me with an unopened bottle of poppy seeds to take home. Apparently, she has 2 or 3 recipes that call for poppy seeds, and every time she goes to pick up the ingredients, she can never remember whether or not she has poppy seeds at home. So she errs on the side of picking up more, only to find several bottles in her pantry.

Several bottles. Of poppy seeds. What does one even DO with that many poppy seeds?!? Answer: save them for the time when someone is in need of poppy seeds and cannot navigate a grocery store to find them.

Thanks Momma.

I digress. If you need to find poppy seeds, but have never purchased them, they are found in the baking aisle with herbs and spices.

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Simple Supper Monday

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

• 2 c (16 oz) sour cream
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 2 t poppy seeds
• 2 1/2 c cubed cooked chicken
• 1 pkg Ritz crackers (about 32)
• 1 stick butter, melted

In a bowl, combine the sour cream, soup and poppy seeds. Stir in chicken. Pour into greased 11 x 7 baking dish. Combine the cracker crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Says serves 4 but depending on serving size could feed more. Great with a salad or green beans.

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I seriously can't wait to bite into this casserole tonight. It's just ever so slightly different than some other casserole recipes in my repertoire - it's nice to try something new!

I will let you know how it turns out for me...

If YOU have any recipes to share with the community - PLEASE send them my way: moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com

UPDATE: Totally made this casserole for dinner tonight. Totally delightful. The chicken mixture was rich and creamy! Hubby commented on how rich it was, and I told him that I used fat free sour cream and low fat cream of chicken soup - and it was still so incredibly awesome! I didn't even feel bad about eating it. I am purposely "forgetting" the stick of butter I melted with the Ritz crackers...