If you have been on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then look no further than the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. This classic casserole combines tender chicken, creamy soup, sharp cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Every spoonful is a delightful dance of flavors and textures, from the savory bacon bits to the gentle crunch of slivered almonds and green onions. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings a little bit of gourmet flair to your weeknight or holiday table without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this version, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy layers. The simplicity of these pantry staples makes this casserole both accessible and incredibly satisfying.
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): The secret to that irresistible golden crust that adds buttery crunch atop the casserole.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Binds the crushed crackers and adds rich flavor to the crispy topping.
- Cooked Chicken (4 cups, diced or shredded): The hearty protein base that makes this dish so filling and comforting.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Brings a creamy, savory element that keeps every bite tender and flavorful.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess, elevating the texture of the casserole mixture.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A lovely, subtle spice layer that enhances depth without overpowering.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Sharp and melty, cheese makes every forkful utterly irresistible.
- Green Onions (4, thinly sliced): Fresh and slightly pungent, they brighten and balance the richness.
- Slivered Almonds (½ cup, optional): Adds extra crunch and a nutty twist if you want to get a little creative.
- Bacon (10 slices, cooked and chopped): Smoky, crispy, and savory—bacon is the perfect indulgent touch.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature to bake your casserole evenly. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so your casserole won’t stick and will be easy to serve. Then, gently mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl—this buttery mixture will create the golden, crispy topping that makes this recipe so special.
Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the diced or shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream for a luscious creamy base. Add the garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions, chopped bacon, and if you’re feeling fancy, the slivered almonds. Stir everything well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined—this mixture is the heart of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread this rich and hearty mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so every layer bakes perfectly. Then sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top—this step brings that incredible crunch and golden color that everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is beautifully browned and the casserole is bubbling enticingly around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow everything to set and meld together before serving.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or additional sliced green onions on top before serving. The bright green hues look gorgeous against the golden crust and complement the creamy interior nicely.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with a little lemon zest add a lovely brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also turn it into a layered potluck dish by building it in a trifle bowl, showing off the creamy, cheesy layers beneath the crunchy topping. Either way, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare and assemble it as directed, then cover tightly with foil and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, adding extra time until it’s steaming hot and bubbly throughout.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Reheating brings back that just-baked charm every time!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves you time, making the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe even easier to whip up.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily make a vegetarian adaptation by replacing the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms or a medley of zucchini and bell peppers, and skipping the bacon. Using a vegetarian cream soup will keep all the comforting creaminess intact.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
To make it from scratch, mix together cream, chicken broth, a pinch of garlic powder, and some flour for thickness. This homemade version tastes fresh and allows you to control the ingredients.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative and ensure your soup and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way everyone can indulge in the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe safely.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Feel free to toss in chopped broccoli, peas, or even shredded carrots into the chicken mixture before baking. It’s a delicious way to boost the nutritional profile while keeping the flavor rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe that makes it feel like a culinary treasure worth sharing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish brings ease, flavor, and a bit of nostalgic magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience how those simple ingredients come alive in every delightful bite.
PrintNeiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
This classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, savory cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal served warm straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust Topping
- 1 Sleeve Ritz Crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup Butter (melted)
Casserole Filling
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken (diced or shredded)
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup Slivered Almonds (optional)
- 10 slices Bacon (cooked and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, gently stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until coated evenly. Set aside this crunchy topping mixture.
- Prepare Casserole Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, optional slivered almonds, and chopped cooked bacon. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even layer.
- Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the surface of the casserole filling for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the slivered almonds.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Customize the cheese by substituting with your favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Mozzarella.
- The bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
- Make sure to slightly crush the Ritz crackers but not to powder to maintain crunch in the topping.
