Poppy Seed Chicken: What Cheeses Melt The Best?

Poppy seed chicken is a traditional Polish dish that is popular across Europe. The dish is cooked in crockery and is usually served with mashed potatoes or polenta. The meal is both sweet and savoury, with its distinct flavour coming from a honey-based marinade and a selection of herbs.

Poppy seed chicken casserole is a variation of the traditional dish. It is made with cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, and a crunchy topping made from crushed crackers and butter. The casserole is often served with rice and vegetables.

The type of cheese used in poppy seed chicken casserole is shredded cheddar cheese.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or other preferred cheeses

Poppy seed chicken is a traditional Polish dish that is widely popular in most European countries, especially Poland. The dish is cooked in crockery, like a stew over a fire or stove, and is often served with mashed potatoes or polenta.

While the classic poppy seed chicken recipe does not include cheese, you can add a cheesy twist to the dish by stirring in or topping the chicken with shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or other preferred cheeses.

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, or more if desired
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or cheese of your choice

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts into a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes.
• Drain and shred the chicken with two forks.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds together in a large bowl until combined; set aside.
• Stir condensed soup and sour cream together in a medium bowl; pour 1/2 of the mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish.
• Add shredded chicken in an even layer.
• Top with the remaining soup mixture.
• Sprinkle with your choice of cheese.
• Top with the cracker mixture.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.

Parmesan cheese

When making poppy seed chicken, it is important to use shredded parmesan cheese, as this will ensure it mixes well throughout the dish. The cheese can be bought pre-shredded, or you can shred it yourself using a grater. Freshly shredded cheese will have a better flavour and melt more easily.

Poppy seed chicken is a simple and comforting dish, and the addition of parmesan cheese can take it to the next level. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce, adding a depth of flavour and a stringy, gooey texture.

To make poppy seed chicken with parmesan, simply add the desired amount of shredded parmesan to the other ingredients and mix well. The cheese can also be sprinkled on top of the dish before baking, creating a crispy, golden topping.

If you are looking for a tasty and comforting meal, poppy seed chicken with parmesan cheese is an excellent option. The combination of the nutty, creamy sauce and the salty, stringy cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of vegetables or rice for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Greek yogurt or cream cheese

Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream, with a lower fat content. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for sour cream in poppy seed chicken. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of sour cream, you can replace it with one cup of Greek yogurt.

Cream cheese is also a suitable substitute for sour cream in poppy seed chicken. It has a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the other ingredients well. However, cream cheese is higher in fat and calories than Greek yogurt or sour cream, so it may not be the best choice for those watching their calorie intake.

When substituting Greek yogurt or cream cheese for sour cream in poppy seed chicken, the cooking instructions and measurements generally remain the same. Simply swap out the sour cream for an equal amount of Greek yogurt or cream cheese. However, it's important to note that the consistency and flavour of the dish may vary slightly with these substitutions.

In addition to Greek yogurt or cream cheese, other substitutions for sour cream in poppy seed chicken include regular yogurt or cream of mushroom soup. These alternatives can also provide a creamy texture and tangy flavour to the dish, but each will impart a unique taste and consistency.

Cheese, crackers, or almonds for topping

Poppy seed chicken is a traditional Polish dish that is widely popular in most European countries, especially Poland. The dish is cooked in crockery, like a stew, and is often served with mashed potatoes or polenta.

The poppy seed chicken recipe is versatile and can be customised with various toppings and ingredients. The dish typically includes cooked chicken, a creamy base, poppy seeds, and a crunchy topping.

When it comes to toppings for poppy seed chicken, you have several options to choose from, including cheese, crackers, or almonds. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Cheese

Shredded cheese, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese, can be stirred into the chicken mixture or used as a topping. Cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish. It also pairs well with the other ingredients, creating a delicious and indulgent meal.

Crackers

Buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers, are a classic choice for a crunchy topping. Crush the crackers and mix them with melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. The crackers will become brown and crispy as they bake, providing a delightful contrast in texture and flavour to the creamy chicken.

Almonds

If you're looking for a nutty crunch, sliced almonds can be a great addition to the topping. Almonds provide a different texture and flavour profile than crackers, offering a healthier and gluten-free option. You can also experiment with other nuts, such as crunchy walnuts, to add variety.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create a unique and personalised poppy seed chicken dish. You can also experiment with other ingredients, such as different types of cheese or crackers, to find your perfect combination. Enjoy creating your own delicious and comforting version of this classic recipe!

Cheese and crackers as sides

Cheese and crackers are a classic side dish that can be easily tailored to suit the flavours of poppy seed chicken. Here are some ideas for cheese and crackers to serve as a side with poppy seed chicken:

Cheese choices

As poppy seed chicken is often made with a creamy sauce, a tangy cheese would be a good complement to the dish. Some options include:

• Cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Swiss cheese
• Parmesan
• Cream cheese

Crackers

To complement the cheese choices above, consider buttery crackers such as Ritz crackers or Keebler Town House crackers. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free crackers or paleo crackers. If you want to avoid crackers altogether, you could use nuts such as crunchy almonds or walnuts as a topping.

Serving suggestions

You could simply serve the cheese on the side, or you could incorporate it into the poppy seed chicken recipe. For example, you could stir in or sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture before baking. You could also try adding cheese to the cracker topping by mixing crushed crackers with melted butter and shredded cheese, then sprinkling this mixture over the chicken before baking.

Frequently asked questions