Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you have been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with a delightful crunch and a little bit of zing, then the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is exactly what your dinner table needs. This casserole shines with tender shredded chicken, a luscious cream of chicken soup base, melty Cheddar cheese, and a heavenly topping of buttery crackers and crispy bacon. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia in every bite and is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe masterfully balances simplicity and flavor with ingredients you might already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the richness, texture, and overall irresistible character of this classic dish.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Provides tender, flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy moisture and that signature comforting flavor that ties everything together.
- Sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that lightens and enriches the texture.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts throughout to create a luscious cheesy layer that’s both savory and satisfying.
- Sliced green onions: Add a fresh, mild bite, balancing the richness with a subtle sharpness.
- Slivered almonds: Introduce a gentle crunch and nutty depth to the casserole’s layered textures.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings irresistible smoky, crispy notes that elevate every bite.
- Hot sauce, such as Tabasco®: Lends a mild kick and complex flavor that brightens the dish.
- Buttery crackers, like Ritz®: Crushed to a perfect crumb, they form a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Melted butter: Combines with the crackers to make that perfectly crisp, flavorful crust.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and helps with even cooking while ensuring an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled cooked bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything until well combined to ensure every bite carries the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Transfer Mixture and Prepare Topping
Pour your creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated—this will create that irresistible golden crust you dream about.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture over the top of the casserole, forming a crunchy blanket. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully browned and the entire dish is bubbling hot. The smell alone will have everyone at the table eager to dig in!
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle a few extra sliced green onions on top just before serving. You can also add a light drizzle of hot sauce or a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley for a vibrant contrast that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess or roasted vegetables that add color and earthiness to the plate. A loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming and personalized touch. You can also spoon it over steamed rice or buttered noodles to transform it into an even heartier entrée. It’s versatile enough to shine in any setting, from casual family dinners to potluck parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This is a perfect way to prep ahead for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the fridge overnight if possible. Warm it up in a 350-degree F oven until heated through and the topping regains its crispy charm. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that crisp texture on top.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—already cooked and full of flavor, it makes preparing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a breeze without compromising taste.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese, though the taste will vary slightly. Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that’s characteristic of this dish, so try to use it when you can.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon and replace them with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom or vegetable soup to keep it meat-free yet delicious.
Is it possible to add more heat to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños to the mix. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is versatile and welcomes a little spice boost to keep things exciting.
Can I use different cheese instead of Cheddar?
While Cheddar provides that classic sharpness, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole means welcoming a dish that’s as comforting and satisfying as a warm hug from an old friend. Its creamy, cheesy, crunchy magic will surely become a family favorite in your home too. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating this timeless treasure that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and full plates to your table.
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked dish featuring shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, and crispy bacon, all topped with a buttery cracker crumb crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
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® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well combined. This will create a flavorful, crispy topping.
- Add Topping and Bake: Spread the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the chicken casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is browned and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if desired.
- For extra spice, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to the topping stage and refrigerate; add topping and bake when ready to serve.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and easy method to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 724
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, baked casserole, creamy chicken dish
