In a skillet on the stove over medium heat, allow the oil and pan to come to temperature. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color on the chicken. Once hot, add the chicken pieces all at once.
Cook the chicken over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook it until you see very little to no pink left in the chicken. While cooking, sprinkle a generous pinch of salt and pepper to season it well.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a luscious mixture that will coat your chicken perfectly.
Once the chicken is cooked almost through, add it to the sour cream mixture and stir well to ensure every piece is covered. This is where the magic happens; the chicken will absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Pour half of the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This layer sets the foundation for your casserole.
Top the first layer with half of the Stove Top stuffing and half of the poppy seeds. This will add texture and crunch to the dish.
Layer the remaining chicken mixture on top of the stuffing. Make sure to spread it out, so every bite is packed with flavor.
Sprinkle the remaining poppy seeds over the top, followed by the rest of the Stove Top stuffing. Lastly, pour the melted butter evenly over the entire casserole. This will help create a beautiful, golden crust.
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the middle rack. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly. The top should be nicely browned.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set the layers and makes it easier to serve.
