Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been on the hunt for a casserole recipe that’s both impressive and incredibly comforting, then the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is one you have to try. This dish has been a longtime favorite in my kitchen because it manages to be creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of crunchy all in one bite. It’s the perfect solution when you want something quick but still feels like a special treat.
What I really love about this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is how versatile it is—it shines at potlucks, family dinners, or even a casual weeknight meal. Plus, with ingredients like tender chicken, gooey cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building those wonderful layers of flavor and texture. While some are pantry staples, others like the slivered almonds add a little unexpected crunch that really makes a difference.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time; rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds richness and helps bind everything together for creamy goodness.
- Sour cream: It lends tanginess and creaminess, balancing the cheese perfectly.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Choose sharp or mild depending on your taste, but sharp gives it that extra zing.
- Sliced green onions: These lighten it up with a fresh bite—don’t skip them.
- Slivered almonds: Adds crunch and nuttiness—toast them lightly if you want an extra boost.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because everything’s better with bacon; it also adds smoky depth.
- Hot sauce (like Tabasco): Just a splash to give a subtle kick and keep things interesting.
- Buttery crackers (Ritz crackers are ideal): These go on top for that signature crispy, buttery crust.
- Butter, melted: To bind the cracker topping and ensure it browns up beautifully in the oven.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. It’s such a flexible dish that you can easily tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs!
- Vegetarian variation: Swap the chicken with a mix of mushrooms and cauliflower for a hearty veggie-friendly option that still has great texture.
- Spicy kick: I once added diced jalapeños along with extra hot sauce for a bolder flavor that my spice-loving friends adored.
- Cheese mix-up: Try mixing in some Monterey Jack or Gruyère to add a creamy melt with a twist on the classic sharp cheddar.
- Nut allergy-friendly: If almonds aren’t your thing or you’re serving guests with allergies, I simply leave them out or swap with crispy fried onions for crunch.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy—that’s your rich, flavorful base ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
Next, grab a separate bowl for the topping. Crush the buttery crackers until you have coarse crumbs, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated—the butter helps them bake into that golden, crispy perfection we’re all after.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the cracker topping all over until the surface is fully covered. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens the richness and adds a nice contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls also make great sides if you want a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special dinners, I sometimes serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra almonds and a small sprig of thyme for an elegant touch. It’s a simple way to impress guests without spending hours prepping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve had leftovers, I find the casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully together overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooled if you want to save some for later. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop the casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep the topping crisp instead of soggy like a microwave might. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too, but I’d recommend a quick broil at the end to revive the crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred your chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. Baking time should stay the same since the casserole needs to heat through and brown the topping, but make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded evenly to distribute flavors well.
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What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. It’s fresher and just as comforting, though the convenience of canned soup is hard to beat.
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Is this casserole suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes! This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes really well. Whether frozen before or after baking, just be sure to thaw fully before reheating so it warms evenly without drying out. The topping retains its delicious crunch if you reheat it in the oven.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower, and use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup or homemade sauce. You can leave out the bacon or replace it with a smoky plant-based alternative to keep that savory flavor.
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How can I make the cracker topping extra crispy?
Be sure to coat the cracker crumbs evenly with melted butter, and don’t skimp on the amount. Baking uncovered at 350°F allows the topping to brown nicely. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes—but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe holds a cozy spot in my heart because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress at a gathering without stress, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and that comforting home-cooked vibe every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I have over the years—it really becomes one of those go-to, “everyone loves this” dishes you’ll return to again and again.
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory baked dish featuring shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy topping of buttery crackers and almonds. Enhanced with bacon and a hint of hot sauce, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco® or to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, stirring to coat the cracker crumbs thoroughly.
- Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy, and flavorful Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if desired.
- For a nut-free version, omit the slivered almonds or replace with extra bacon or additional green onions.
- Add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Make sure the chicken is thoroughly shredded for best texture.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local store.
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner
