Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Author: Touba
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Description

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish that combines shredded chicken with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, crispy bacon, and a touch of hot sauce. Topped with buttery crushed crackers and baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

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®, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
Mix main ingredients: In a large 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.
Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Notes

You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a spicier version, add more hot sauce according to your taste.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz.
Make sure the topping is evenly spread to achieve a uniform crunchy crust.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready.

Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, baked chicken dish, chicken and crackers casserole

Whenever I’m hunting for the ultimate comfort food that feels both fancy and totally homey, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is my go-to. It’s one of those dishes that immediately brings everyone to the table – creamy, cheesy, with a touch of that irresistible crunch on top. This casserole feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers when you want to impress without stress.

What’s really special about this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is the balance of flavors: the tender chicken paired with the tang of sour cream, a little kick from hot sauce, and the savory depth of bacon and almonds. Plus, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work perfectly together to create creamy richness and crunchy texture in every bite. When shopping, try to choose quality cheeses and freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor – trust me, it makes a difference you’ll notice.

Shredded cooked chicken: Use leftover roast chicken or poached chicken breasts – truly the star of the show.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds that classic creamy base; if you prefer homemade, feel free to swap in your own sauce.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness; full-fat gives the best texture.
Shredded Cheddar cheese: Sharp Cheddar packs more flavor and melts beautifully.
Sliced green onions: Fresh and mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
Slivered almonds: Adds a lovely nutty crunch that I absolutely love here.
Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Something about bacon just makes everything better! Crispy is key.
Hot sauce: I prefer Tabasco® for that gentle heat, but adjust to your taste.
Buttery crackers: Ritz® crackers are classic for topping and add a golden crisp.
Butter, melted: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness.

Variations

I’ve played around with the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe quite a bit, and it’s so forgiving! You can easily tweak it depending on what’s in your fridge or your dietary preferences.

Use turkey instead of chicken: I did this over the holidays with leftover turkey and it was just as delicious, making it a great way to avoid food waste.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt: If you want a tangier, lighter version, Greek yogurt works well and adds protein.
Make it spicy: Add more hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to give it a kick – my husband loves the extra heat!
Nut-free variation: Simply leave out the almonds and replace with extra cracker topping for the crunch if someone’s allergic.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix the creamy base

Start by combining the cream of chicken soup and sour cream in a large bowl until smooth. I like to whisk them together so there are no lumps. This creamy base will keep the casserole moist and flavorful, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Add the flavor-packed ingredients

Next, stir in the shredded chicken, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Make sure everything is evenly mixed for consistent flavor throughout. I often taste a little bit here to adjust the hot sauce—better to start mild, then add as you bake.

Step 3: Prepare the cracker topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. This topping will melt into a golden, crispy crust that’s absolutely irresistible. I find crushing the crackers just right—not too fine—lets you keep a nice crunchy texture.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Spread your chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle the cracker topping over the whole surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning the crackers.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of extra fresh green onions or chopped parsley right before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside simple steamed green beans or a crisp tossed salad. Mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls work beautifully if you want to make it a truly hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the casserole in individual ramekins – guests love the personalized touch. Another time, I layered it with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a fresh twist. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated to make it feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a big family dinner, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up well, just cover it tightly to prevent it drying out, especially the crispy topping.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times with good results. Just assemble without baking, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. The texture remains creamy and tasty!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the cracker topping crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but the topping won’t stay crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Make sure the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
Is this casserole recipe very spicy?

Not at all, unless you add extra hot sauce. The recipe calls for just 1 ½ teaspoons, which adds a gentle background heat you can easily adjust or omit based on your preference.
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and adds great flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred the meat well for even mixing.
What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese thinned with a little milk. These alternatives will keep the creamy texture with a slightly different tang.
How do I get the cracker topping extra crispy?

Make sure to evenly mix the melted butter with crushed crackers and spread it in a thin, uniform layer on top. Also, consider broiling the last 2-3 minutes of baking while watching carefully for a golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so wonderfully comforting yet surprisingly simple. I love how it brings people together without needing a long list of fancy ingredients or complicated steps. If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a little indulgence, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try – you might just find it becoming a favorite in your home too!