I was raised to be a gracious hostess. Throughout my youth, my parents often entertained at home. From intimate dining room dinners with extended family to huge holiday celebrations where everyone who needed a place to be was lovingly welcome, my mother's expert execution of these events, and the incredible homemade food she served, inspired me to always do the same. My sister and I, clad in our nightgowns and getting ready for bedtime, would even beg to pass hors d'oeuvres on silver trays to party guests before we had to say goodnight. It was our own version of the Von Trapp family farewell, and it was magical.
Because of my deep roots in entertaining, when I joined my sorority in college I knew there was only one job for me - food chairman. I wanted to ensure the food and drink at our rush events, parties, and even chapter meetings would be the very best it could be. When I got the position, some older members told me about a legendary dish that had been served at rush parties in the past - Theta Phi chicken (named for my sorority, Theta Phi Alpha). Of course I had never heard of this, but wanted so badly to bring it back for the members who missed it. When it was described to me, it sounded exactly like a casserole my mother made, and one we all loved - Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole. I made the casserole, brought it in, and TADA! it was the Theta Phi Chicken everyone knew and loved. Since then, even my family calls this creamy, comforting casserole Theta Phi Chicken. Best served over rice with something green on the side. I hope it becomes legendary in your family too.
Happy memories on a lovely plate, Theta Phi Chicken over rice
This casserole, as delicious as it is, can be a bit of a calorie bomb. To lighten it up without sacrificing the rich flavor and silky texture, I made a few adjustments to my mother's original recipe. I don't think you'll miss a thing.
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (Theta Phi Chicken)
serves 6
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup (I used Campbell's Healthy Request)
1 cup sour cream (I used Daisy Light)
1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 a stick)
1 cup crushed buttery cracker crumbs (like Ritz, or the Trader Joe's version I used here)
1 tbsp poppyseeds
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, poppy seeds, salt and pepper. Combine melted butter with cracker crumbs. Add 1/2 the crumbs to the soup mixture. Add in chicken and stir to combine. Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9x13 casserole baking dish. Top with remaining buttered cracker crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve with rice.
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