POPPY SEED CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole image

Provided by Melissa K Hand

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pkg (6.2 oz.) rice-a-roni, fried rice flavor - if you can't find this just use the chicken flavor and add a dash of soy sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
4 c shredded cooked chicken (that is approximately 4 small or 2 large boneless half breasts or about 1 lb.)
1 c sour cream
1 can(s) (10.75 oz.) campbell's healthy request cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 small jar diced pimientos, well-drained
1/2 c half & half or evaporated milk
dash(es) mrs. dash, or similar, unsalted seasoning (use liberally)
dash(es) morton's nature seasoning salt
dash(es) fresh ground pepper, to taste
36 ritz crackers (1 sleeve), finely crushed
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 Tbsp poppy seeds
non-stick cooking spray

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare Rice-A-Roni according to package directions, except use 1 Tbsp. olive oil for browning rice mixture.
3. Spray bottom and sides of a 13" x 9" x 2" glass or ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread prepared Rice-A-Roni evenly on bottom of dish.
4. Combine shredded chicken, sour cream, chicken soup, pimientos, evaporated milk, Mrs. Dash, salt and pepper in a medium-size bowl. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Spoon chicken mixture evenly over top of Rice-A-Roni in baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter; add poppy seeds. Mix well with a fork. Sprinkle evenly on top of casserole.
6. Bake Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole 30 minutes or until bubbly, and topping is lightly browned. Serve immediately.