If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe hits every note beautifully. It’s one of those treasured dishes that combines tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy Ritz cracker topping, and a hint of smoky bacon to create a soul-satisfying meal your whole family will adore. Whether you’re making dinner for your loved ones or looking for a great casserole to bring to potlucks, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet fantastic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding creamy richness and tang to delivering a golden, crispy topping that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed to create the perfect buttery, crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor contrast.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with the crackers, it helps achieve that irresistible golden crisp crust on top.
- Cooked diced chicken: The hearty base of the casserole, cooked chicken adds protein and a wonderful, tender bite.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy, savory depth and holds everything together beautifully.
- Sour cream: Brings tanginess and extra creaminess that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into every nook and cranny offering sharp, melty goodness throughout.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a pop of freshness and mild onion flavor.
- Slivered almonds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch if you like a bit more texture.
- Bacon slices: Cooked and crumbled, they provide smoky, salty notes that elevate the entire dish.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray of nonstick cooking spray. This prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Topping
In a small bowl, crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers—around 32 crackers—and stir them together with 4 tablespoons (half a stick) of melted butter. This buttery cracker blend will turn golden and crispy in the oven, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole beneath.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in 4 cups of cooked diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully), a 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Add in ½ cup of slivered almonds if you’re using them, along with 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon. Give everything a good mix until all components are fully combined, promising a rich and flavorful casserole filling.
Step 4: Spread the Filling
Transfer your chicken mixture into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread and level it evenly. Even layering helps the casserole cook uniformly and gives a beautiful appearance when it’s ready to serve.
Step 5: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping
Generously sprinkle your prepared buttery Ritz cracker crumbs all over the top of the chicken mixture. This step seals the deal on the dish’s signature crunchy top layer, the hallmark of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the casserole uncovered in the middle rack of your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges—a surefire sign of perfectly melted and melded flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set. Top with extra chopped bacon, a few more sliced green onions, or freshly chopped parsley for a little burst of color and flavor before serving. Now, dig in and enjoy each heavenly bite!
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling additional crumbled bacon or chopped green onions over the casserole before serving adds an extra layer of flavor and eye appeal. For a touch of brightness and freshness, finely chopped parsley or chives works beautifully. These simple garnishes refresh the palate and complement the casserole’s richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal veggies to bring some lightness and color to your plate. Mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls also make wonderful companions, rounding out a hearty home-cooked meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes to create charming personal portions. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika on top for a hint of smoky color, or present it in a casserole dish with a pretty serving spoon for a lovely family-style dinner vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick reheats and leftovers lunches that still taste like you just made it.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, too! Prepare it completely, then wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to preserve that crispy cracker topping.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping regains its delightful crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible—oven reheating keeps that signature texture that makes the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe such a treat!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While shredded cheddar cheese is traditional and adds great sharpness, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of pepper jack for a little kick. Just keep to about the same quantity to maintain the creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Sure, you can swap the chicken for a hearty vegetable mix like mushrooms, zucchini, or a blend of beans. You’ll want to replace the bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or omit it completely. The cream of chicken soup can be substituted with cream of mushroom or a vegetarian cream soup alternative.
Can I prepare this casserole a day in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it perfectly crispy. This makes it a fantastic option for busy days or entertaining.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut because it’s flavorful, tender, and already cooked. Of course, leftover baked or poached chicken works wonderfully well, too. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Can I make the cracker topping gluten-free?
Definitely! Look for gluten-free buttery crackers that can be crushed and used instead of Ritz crackers. The butter is essential to get that golden, crisp texture, so keep that the same to achieve the signature topping of this beloved casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, ease, and incredible flavor, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, and sharing with friends. Once you taste that creamy chicken filling topped with buttery, crunchy cracker crumbs and smoky bacon, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic. Go ahead, make it your own and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!
Print
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish featuring tender chicken combined with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Enhanced with green onions, slivered almonds, and crispy bacon, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family meal or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 32 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted (can use salted or unsalted)
Casserole Mixture
- 4 cups cooked diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup slivered almonds (optional)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for topping if preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir well to coat the crackers and set the mixture aside.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, and crumbled bacon. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and level it out with a spatula for an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to form a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered on the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, or fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut that works perfectly for this dish.
- Slivered almonds add a nice crunch, but you can omit them if preferred or allergic.
- Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce the salt content if needed.
- For extra crisp bacon, cook it in the oven on a baking sheet before crumbling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
