Choosing the Chicken

Use a whole chicken, legs, thighs or breasts. Season the chicken before cooking it. Roast a whole chicken, thighs or legs for 50 to 60 minutes in an oven that's preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, poach boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in a large skillet. Add enough water or broth to cover the chicken and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to low and simmer the chicken breasts for 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the meatiest part of the chicken should read 165 F. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it or chop it into chunks. You can also use commercially prepared rotisserie chicken to make this casserole.

Making the Sauce

Make a homemade cream of chicken sauce by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stirring some all-purpose flour into the melted butter to make a roux. Stir it constantly until it is golden. Then, add 1 part chicken broth to 2 parts cream or evaporated milk. Whisk garlic into the mixture while cooking it over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, or until it thickens up. Fold in a little sour cream or creme fraiche and season it to taste with salt and pepper. If you're looking for a shortcut, try combining canned cream of chicken soup with sour cream.

Accompanying Ingredients

Stir roughly 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds into the chicken and sauce mixture. Optionally, add sauteed or raw vegetables such as carrots, onions or celery for extra texture and flavor. Although some recipes call for the mixture to be served over rice or noodles, you can also combine the starch of your choice right in the casserole. If you're using rice, add an even layer of it in the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish and top it with the chicken and sauce mixture. To make it with noodles, first cook them until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and combine them with the sauce and chicken and add the mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Baking the Casserole

Melt some butter in a small pan. Once it's melted, add some crushed buttery crackers, stirring to coat the crackers thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Optionally, add another sprinkle of poppy seeds or a sprinkle of paprika for a little color. Bake the casserole in an oven that's been preheated to 350 F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is bubbly and browned on top. Optionally, serve the casserole with a crisp green salad to add a fresh element to this cozy meal.