Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

There’s something special about pulling a hot, bubbling casserole out of the oven, the kind that fills the kitchen with a creamy, savory aroma. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone to the table with eager forks and warm smiles. Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, this recipe combines everyday ingredients in the most luxurious way, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and weekend get-togethers.

Behind the Recipe

This dish was born out of a craving for cozy, no-fuss meals that still feel indulgent. It’s one of those recipes you fall in love with after the first bite and immediately think, “Why haven’t I been making this forever?” Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or a weeknight when you need something hearty on the table fast, this casserole delivers. It has that magical balance of creamy texture, savory depth, and just the right amount of crunch from the topping. It’s comfort food, plain and simple.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While it shares its name with the upscale Neiman Marcus brand, this casserole has no direct ties to the department store. Instead, it’s a cheeky nod to how decadently rich the dish tastes, almost like a meal you’d expect from a fancy brunch menu. The recipe gained popularity online as a quick and creamy chicken bake that used simple pantry staples yet felt elevated. It’s since become a potluck favorite and dinner table staple, thanks to how effortlessly it wins over crowds.

Why You’ll Love Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This dish might be simple to whip up, but it’s loaded with reasons to make it again and again.

Versatile: Serve it for dinner, potlucks, or even holiday sides. It works every time.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like shredded chicken, sour cream, and crackers.

Quick and Easy: Just mix, bake, and serve. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.

Customizable: Add veggies, spice it up, or change the cheese. It adapts to your mood.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting — everyone loves it.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and pop it in the oven when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, reheated or repurposed.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you’re looking to make this casserole truly unforgettable, here are a few insider tips to elevate every bite.

1. Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and tenderness with less effort.
2. Toast the cracker topping before baking for an extra crispy finish.
3. Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the mix for subtle depth.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens just right.
5. Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional kitchen to nail this dish — just a few essentials will do.

Mixing Bowl: For combining the creamy chicken filling.

Casserole Dish (9×13): Ideal size for even baking and perfect portions.

Spatula or Spoon: To mix and spread the filling evenly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps keep the proportions just right.

Oven: The magic happens here, so preheat it properly.

Ingredients in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Let’s talk about what makes this casserole so delicious. It’s all about creamy comfort and balanced texture.

1. Cooked Shredded Chicken: 4 cups – Tender and juicy, it’s the heart of the dish. Rotisserie works wonders here.
2. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened) – Adds a velvety richness to the base.
3. Sour Cream: 1 cup – Brings tanginess that balances the richness.
4. Mayonnaise: ½ cup – Helps create a silky, luscious sauce.
5. Cheddar Cheese (shredded): 2 cups – Melty and sharp, this adds depth.
6. Green Onions (chopped): ½ cup – Offers freshness and a little bite.
7. Ritz Crackers (crushed): 1 sleeve – Crunchy golden topping that adds texture.
8. Butter (melted): 4 tablespoons – Helps brown the topping to perfection.
9. Salt and Black Pepper: to taste – Enhances all the other flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you work with what you’ve got. Here’s how to make it flexible.

Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie or canned chicken both work.

Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a solid swap for a tangier twist.

Ritz Crackers: Use crushed cornflakes or panko for a different crunch.

Cheddar Cheese: Try mozzarella or Colby Jack for a milder melt.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: This is what makes the filling extra creamy and luxurious. It melts into the other ingredients for a silky texture you can’t get from milk alone.

Ritz Crackers: These buttery rounds add just the right amount of crunch and saltiness to contrast the creamy filling.

Instructions for Making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This dish comes together in layers, and each one brings its own magic. Here’s how to make it like a pro.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a separate bowl, toss crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
6. Finishing Touches: Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can set up a bit.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop onto plates and serve hot, garnished with a little extra green onion if you like.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This casserole is the perfect combination of textures. The creamy base hugs every piece of chicken, while the buttery cracker topping adds a crunchy contrast. You’ll taste sharp cheese, subtle onion, and the comforting tang of sour cream all in one bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first forkful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Get even more out of this comfort classic with a few bonus pointers.

• Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Stir your filling well so every bite gets a bit of everything.

What to Avoid

Avoid these slip-ups for a perfect casserole every time.

• Don’t use cold cream cheese, it won’t blend smoothly.
• Avoid overbaking or the top will get too hard.
• Don’t skip the resting time or it might turn soupy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 470
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can totally prep this dish the night before. Just cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole, then pop it into the oven the next day. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months — just thaw before baking or reheating in the oven.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This dish shines with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or even a slice of crusty bread. If you’re going the cozy route, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted carrots. It’s equally great for brunch spreads or weeknight comfort meals.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extra? Here’s how to keep it exciting.

• Spoon into baked potatoes for an instant stuffed dinner.
• Use it as a filling for wraps or quesadillas.
• Stir into cooked pasta for a creamy remix.

Additional Tips

Want to take things up a notch?

• Add diced cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach for extra depth.
• A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne gives a subtle kick.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, even with comfort food. Serve it in a vintage-style baking dish or garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley. You can even portion it into ramekins for a more elegant dinner-party twist.

Variations to Try

• Broccoli Chicken Bake: Stir in steamed broccoli florets.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and chopped green chilies.
• Buffalo Style: Mix in hot sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
• Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
• Herb Garden Version: Fold in chopped dill, parsley, or thyme.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt or plain cream cheese can stand in.

Q2: Can I freeze the casserole after baking?

Absolutely. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q3: What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie, baked, or even leftover grilled chicken all work great.

Q4: Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, but the texture may be less creamy. It’s still delicious!

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for topping.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a larger pan or two 9×13 dishes.

Q8: What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but you can mix in others.

Q9: Can I add vegetables?

Yes, diced peppers, spinach, or broccoli work wonderfully.

Q10: Is it good for meal prep?

It’s perfect. Make it ahead, freeze it, and bake when needed.

Conclusion

There you have it — a creamy, cheesy, comforting casserole that brings warmth to any day of the week. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again because it’s just that good. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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