Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
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Creamy, cheesy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is baked to golden perfection, loaded with tender chicken, lots of cheese, crunchy almonds, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for potlucks or family dinners!
The Not-So-Fancy Casserole With a Fancy Name
I have a soft spot for casseroles that look unassuming but taste like they belong on a department store lunch menu. That’s exactly where this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole gets its name. A creamy, cheesy, over-the-top comforting dish that supposedly showed up in the Neiman Marcus cookbook years ago. Whether or not anyone was actually serving this between designer handbags and perfume counters, I can’t say. What I can say is that it tastes luxurious in that very unapologetic, “yes I added cream cheese and no I don’t regret it” sort of way.
This casserole is everything I want on a night when the house is loud, the dogs are convinced they’re starving, and I just need dinner to feel easy. It’s rich, it’s cozy, and it feeds a crowd without acting precious about it. My kind of casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- It’s unbelievably creamy thanks to the cheese trio, sour cream and mayo. This casserole does not do “dry.”
- Uses cooked chicken, so it’s perfect for leftover rotisserie or meal prep nights when you need dinner now.
- The buttery cracker topping turns perfectly golden and gives you that crunchy-meets-creamy contrast we all secretly live for.
- Feeds a crowd with zero stress. Potlucks, Sunday dinners, weeknights, this one shows up prepared.
- Comes together fast with simple pantry ingredients. Nothing complicated, nothing fussy, just honest comfort food.
- Tastes even better than it looks, which is saying something because that golden crust is a whole moment.
Ingredients and Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for ease and best results. Leftovers work, but rotisserie wins every time.
- Soften the cream cheese. Cold cream cheese won’t blend properly and you’ll end up chasing lumps around the bowl.
- Sharp cheddar gives the casserole real flavor. Mild cheddar melts fine but tastes like nothing. Choose wisely.
- Mozzarella adds the perfect melty stretch. Monterey Jack is the best swap if you need one.
- Sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese are the creamy trio that keeps the casserole lush, not dry. Don’t skimp.
- Ritz-style crackers make the topping iconic. Crush them fine and mix well with melted butter for the perfect golden crust.
- Taste the filling before baking. Everything is fully cooked, so this is your moment to adjust the seasoning.
- Bake until bubbling and golden. The casserole should look like it’s trying to escape slightly at the edges. That’s when it’s perfect.
How To Serve It
This casserole is rich, cozy, and satisfying enough to hold its own, but it gets even better with a few simple sides to round out the plate. Here’s how I like to serve it:
Arugula Salad
Skillet Green Beans
Quick Yeast Dinner Rolls
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping right before baking so it stays crisp.
Does it freeze well?
It freezes beautifully before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and bake as directed. The topping stays crunchier if you add it fresh.
Can I lighten it up?
You can use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, but the casserole won’t be quite as rich. Still delicious though.
Can I swap the crackers for something else?
Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make a great alternative. They bake up golden and crisp.
Can I add veggies?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or steamed broccoli fold in nicely without watering down the sauce.
Try These Recipes Next
- Beef Noodle Casserole
- 4 Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Cajun Alfredo Lasagna
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish))
- 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Fold in 3 cups cooked chicken, 1½ cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup slivered almonds, and 3 sliced green onions until evenly combined.
- In a small bowl, combine 1½ cups crushed crackers with 4 tablespoons melted butter; mix until evenly moistened.
- Spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheddar, and bake another 5 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley and a few extra green onions before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese: It blends smoothly and gives the casserole its signature creamy texture.
- Rotisserie chicken works best: It adds great flavor and saves time, but any cooked chicken will do.
- Don’t skip the cracker topping: The creamy filling needs that crunchy contrast. Ritz-style crackers give the best buttery finish.
- Bake until bubbly: The edges should be actively bubbling and the topping golden. That’s when the center is hot and perfect.
- To make ahead: Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add the crackers and bake.
- Freezing tip: Freeze before baking for the best texture. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
- Optional add-ins: Peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli fold in easily without watering down the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
