Baked Poppy Seed Chicken

Baked bites of chicken and egg noodles in a creamy poppy seed sauce with a buttery bread crumb topping. Pure, unadulterated comfort food.

Ingredients
  • 1 + 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or about 3 cups cooked chicken, cut in bite-size pieces
  • coarse salt and fresh black pepper
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 + 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds (I like Bob's Red Mill )
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • Topping:
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1.     If starting with cooked chicken skip this step and go right to step 2! Cut the chicken into large bite-sized pieces and season well with salt and pepper. Heat enough oil to generously cover the bottom of a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning to brown on all sides. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  2.     In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat, whisk in the flour and cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Slowly whisk in the milk and mustard. Turn heat up and bring to a simmer, cook 3 - 4 minutes, stirring often.
  3.     Turn off the heat, whisk in the parmesan and let it cool slightly.
  4.     Meanwhile cook the egg noodles in plenty of salted water to al dente. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13 or similar sized casserole with butter.
  5.     Add the sour cream to a small bowl and whisk in a few tablespoons of the warm sauce, one at a time to temper it. Whisk the sour cream into the sauce, then stir in the parsley, poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon coarse salt and about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  6.     Once the noodles are cooked, drain and add them back to the saucepan with the chicken and the sauce. Mix well and pour into the buttered casserole dish.
  7.     Sprinkle the bread crumbs over top then dot with the butter. Bake for 25 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

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