Craving a taste of classic comfort food? This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole brings that same gourmet comfort right to your kitchen. Inspired by the famous department store cafe, this dish features a creamy, cheesy chicken filling topped with a perfectly crispy, buttery cracker crust. It’s an incredibly easy yet satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and fuss-free dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
This recipe is a true gem for busy home cooks and beginners alike. You will adore this dish for its straightforward approach and impressive results.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Basic pantry staples transform into a rich, savory masterpiece.
- Quick Preparation for Busy Nights: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
- Customizable to Taste Preferences: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s likes and dislikes.
- Perfect for Family Dinners or Potlucks: This dish scales beautifully and always earns rave reviews.
- Crowd-Plasing, Nostalgic Appeal: Everyone loves a creamy, comforting casserole with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for this incredible Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. You likely have many of them on hand already, making this a perfect last-minute meal solution. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the iconic flavor and texture.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 32 crackers)
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted (can use salted or unsalted)
- 4 cups cooked diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup slivered almonds (optional, but adds great texture)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for topping, if preferred)
Notes & Substitutions
You have several options to customize your casserole. For the cracker topping, Club crackers or Saltines work if Ritz are unavailable. Feel free to use leftover chicken or even canned chicken for convenience instead of rotisserie. If cream of chicken soup isn’t your preference, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives. Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can stand in for sour cream in a pinch. Vary the cheese with Pepper Jack for a kick, or Colby for milder flavor. Add water chestnuts for extra crunch, or a touch of smoked paprika for depth. If watching sodium, choose unsalted butter and low-sodium soup.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this fantastic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This keeps the cleanup minimal and the cooking process smooth.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for a family-sized casserole.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the creamy chicken mixture.
- Small bowl: Perfect for preparing the cracker topping.
- Spatula: Useful for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.
Instructions
Making your own Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions. Follow them closely for a perfectly golden and bubbling dish every time. This beginner-friendly recipe ensures success in the kitchen.
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers and 4 Tablespoons of melted butter. Stir these together until the crumbs are fully coated and set this mixture aside. This will form your delicious, crispy topping.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of cooked diced chicken, 10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 3 thinly sliced green onions, ½ cup of slivered almonds (if using), and 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. This forms the delicious base of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
- Spread into Dish: Carefully spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your spatula to level out the surface, ensuring a consistent layer for baking.
- Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the entire top of the chicken mixture. Make sure to cover the surface from edge to edge for maximum crunch.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the uncovered baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with additional chopped bacon, fresh sliced green onions, or chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Achieving a truly exceptional casserole is easy with a few simple tricks. These small adjustments will elevate your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Ensure Chicken is Fully Cooked: Using pre-cooked chicken is key. Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.
- Achieve Extra Crispy Cracker Topping: Don’t skimp on the butter for the Ritz topping. A generous coating ensures it browns beautifully.
- Prevent a Soggy Casserole Bottom: Bake until the filling is actively bubbling. This indicates it’s heated through and not overly moist.
- Balance Flavors for Optimal Taste: Taste the chicken mixture before adding the topping. Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed.
- Freshly Grate Cheese for Best Melt: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Freshly grated melts much better.
- Don’t Overmix the Chicken Mixture: Mix until just combined to keep the chicken tender and prevent a dense filling.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Enjoying your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is just the beginning. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and can be easily adapted to suit your needs.
Serve this rich casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also make excellent, healthy side dishes. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Keep leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. For freezing, assemble without the topping, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Variations
Feel free to customize your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with these simple twists. Add frozen peas, corn, or cooked carrots directly into the chicken mixture for added vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms are another fantastic addition. Experiment with different cracker types for the topping, like garlic butter crackers for a flavor boost. For a more substantial meal, stir in some cooked egg noodles or penne pasta. Try sprinkling Parmesan cheese or a dash of paprika over the topping before baking for extra flavor and color. You can even swap the chicken for cooked turkey to use up holiday leftovers.
Nutrition Information
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole provides a hearty and satisfying meal. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please remember these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 603 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Fat | 47 g |
| Sodium | 934 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
The Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with extra bacon, sliced green onions, or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have questions about this delightful Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole? We have answers to help you master this comforting dish.
- Why is it called Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole? It’s named after a popular chicken salad dish served in the Neiman Marcus department store cafes, adapted into a baked casserole format.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What else can I add to this casserole? Feel free to stir in frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or cooked carrots for added nutrients and flavor.
- What can I use in place of cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes if you prefer.
- What else can I add to the topping? Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of paprika over the cracker crumbs for extra flavor and color.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? You can microwave individual servings, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe for a classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This dish truly embodies comforting flavors with its creamy chicken filling and crispy, buttery topping. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. We encourage you to share your creations and any personal adaptations in the comments below!
