Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug after a long day. I first tried it at a friend’s holiday dinner, and the creamy, cheesy layers combined with the crunch of buttery crackers immediately won me over. It has just the right amount of comfort-food goodness, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers when you want something hearty but easy.

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the way it balances creamy textures with crunchy toppings, plus that tangy kick from a touch of hot sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe that you can easily customize, and I always find that folks ask for the recipe after just one bite. You’re going to love making this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe your own trusted crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe works together to build layers of flavor and texture. The combination of creamy soup and sour cream makes the casserole rich and silky, while the cheddar adds that melty cheesiness we all crave. Do pick fresh green onions for that mild onion bite, and don’t skip the crunchy almond and cracker topping—it really finishes the dish perfectly.

• Shredded cooked chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here, saving you time while adding juicy flavor.
• Cream of chicken soup: This adds a creamy base that binds all the ingredients; homemade works too if you have it!
• Sour cream: It brings tang and creaminess that brighten up the casserole without overpowering it.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, pick your favorite cheddar for that gooey melt and depth of flavor.
• Green onions: They add fresh, subtle onion flavor without being too harsh—slice thinly for best texture.
• Slivered almonds: These add a lovely nutty crunch on top; if you prefer, toasted pecans can also work well.
• Bacon: Crispy cooked and crumbled bacon brings a smoky salty bite—don’t skip this for the best flavor punch.
• Hot sauce: Just a touch wakes up the flavors nicely; adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Buttery crackers: Ritz crackers are classic here because they create a rich, crispy topping when crushed.
• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cracker topping and adds indulgent richness.

Variations

I love making this dish my own depending on the mood or occasion. It’s such a versatile recipe, and small tweaks can bring new life to an old favorite. Don’t be afraid to play around with different cheeses or nuts, and you can easily swap out some ingredients to suit your diet or what’s in your pantry.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add extra almonds or even some sautéed mushrooms for that savory punch—I’ve done this for a family dinner with great feedback.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or use a hotter hot sauce to turn up the heat for spice lovers in your group.
• Seasonal veggies: Toss in some chopped broccoli or bell peppers for added color and nutrients—makes it feel lighter and fresh.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives; just be sure to check the cream soup ingredients so it fits your needs.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by combining your shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything until it’s well incorporated. This step is all about layering flavor—make sure the chicken is evenly coated, so each bite is delicious. I find that using a big wooden spoon helps mix everything without smashing the chicken too much.

Step 2: Prepare the Cracker Topping

Next, crush up the buttery crackers. I usually pop them into a sealed plastic bag and gently bash with a rolling pin to get a nice coarse crumble—not too fine, so you still get some crunch. Then, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. This buttery mixture will create that golden, crispy topping that’s absolute magic on this casserole.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly on top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and a golden brown topping. A tip from my experience: If the topping browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions or some fresh parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes I add a few extra slivered almonds on top right before serving if I want more crunch. These simple garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with crisp green salads or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. I often serve it alongside roasted asparagus or some garlicky sautéed spinach. If you want to keep things indulgent, buttery garlic bread is always a hit too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra bacon bits and a sprig of thyme. It’s a lovely way to dress it up without added fuss. Also, pairing it with a vibrant cranberry sauce on the side gives a festive touch and a pop of tang that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight! When reheating, I recommend warming it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s cooled. I prefer freezing it unbaked in a foil pan—just cover tightly and label it. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. Freezing after baking works too but might make the cracker topping a bit less crunchy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers either in the microwave for a quick fix or in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep it moist. If you want to revive some crunch on the topping, uncover for the last 5-7 minutes of reheating to crisp it back up. I’ve found this method really helps bring back that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both an easy weeknight go-to and an impressive dish to bring to gatherings. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the crunchy, buttery topping is comfort food at its best. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again, just like it did in my family.

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