Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Meet your new comfort food obsession: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This delightfully creamy, cheesy, and savory entrée is a true crowd-pleaser that turns weeknights into something special. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy almonds, smoky bacon, zesty green onions, and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole unleashes layers of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re gathering the family or looking for a dish to impress at a potluck, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers incredible comfort and a bit of elegance on the side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole lies in its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a superstar role. Together, they blend for a luscious texture, nuanced flavor, and an irresistibly golden topping you’ll crave.

• Shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie for ultra-easy prep and impossibly moist chicken every time.
• Cream of chicken soup: This forms the creamy base, binding the casserole together and boosting savory depth.
• Sour cream: For balanced tanginess that keeps each bite from feeling heavy.
• Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly essential for that decadent, cheesy pull.
• Sliced green onions: These offer a fresh, crisp flavor pop that cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Slivered almonds: For gentle crunch and nutty undertones that take the texture up a notch.
• Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky, salty boldness that makes the casserole truly unforgettable.
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco): Just a dash delivers subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed: The crowning glory—a golden, addictive topping that soaks up melted butter.
• Butter, melted: Drizzled over the crackers to create a crave-worthy, crisp finish.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Let’s get the stage set for this showstopper. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy scoop every time.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir thoroughly until everything is mingling together in creamy, cheesy harmony. The aromas at this stage will have you sneaking tastes already!

Step 3: Spread the Chicken Mixture

Pour all that luscious chicken filling straight into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly—it’s worth taking a moment to smooth out the top for that perfectly uniform bake.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together your crushed buttery crackers and melted butter until every crumb is coated and glistening. This mixture is what transforms into that unforgettable crunchy, golden topping.

Step 5: Top the Casserole

Sprinkle the cracker topping generously over your casserole, covering every last inch. The buttery crackers will bake up into a crunchy layer that seals in flavor and adds satisfying texture.

Step 6: Bake!

Slide your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, creamy casserole base with a topping that’s turned deep golden and crisp.

Step 7: Let Rest Before Serving

Once you pull it from the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and lets the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Scatter a few more freshly sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and a hint of brightness. A shower of extra crispy bacon bits never hurts, either—just before serving, for an extra punch of smoky flavor. If you love a little spice, a dash more hot sauce brings heat and dimension.

Side Dishes

Pair your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce and complement the crunch. Fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad work wonders. Freshly steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add welcome freshness and a pop of green to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party feel or transform leftovers into sliders with toasted brioche buns for a fun lunch. For potlucks, bake it in a pretty, oven-to-table dish and watch it disappear as guests scoop straight from the pan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftover scoops are extra tasty.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Wrap the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion individual servings into freezer containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—perfect for stocking your freezer for busy weeks ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven, uncovered, until hot and bubbly—about 20 to 25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture. Microwave reheating also works well for individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crunchy and fresh.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but any shredded cooked chicken (breasts, thighs, or a mix) will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s tender and well-seasoned.

Can I swap out the Cheddar cheese for another kind?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses can be used if you want to mix things up. Each will lend a slightly different melt and flavor, but the casserole will still be delicious.

Is there a way to make this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers. Check all processed ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Can I make a lighter version of this casserole?

Definitely. Try using light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or substituting some Greek yogurt for part of the sour cream. Turkey bacon also works as a lighter swap.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, it’s bound to become one of those recipes you keep coming back to, whether for cozy weeknight dinners or potluck celebrations. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together and how deliciously satisfying every bite is!

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