There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm, bubbly casserole from the oven, especially when it’s packed with creamy flavors like my Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This dish has a way of turning any meal into a cozy gathering, making it a favorite at both family dinners and potlucks alike.
As I prepared this comforting recipe recently, the rich aroma of sour cream mingling with crispy bacon filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—comforting and inviting, yet oh-so-easy to whip up with a few pantry staples. And let’s not forget the delightful crunch of buttery cracker topping that pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken base, making every bite a joy.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this Southern classic a staple in your kitchen too!
Why is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a must-try?
Comforting and Classic: This casserole embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, making it perfect for family get-togethers or a cozy night in.
Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up quickly—even on busy weekdays.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping guarantees satisfaction for everyone at the table.
Versatile Choices: Feel free to customize by adding veggies, using different proteins, or swapping out cheeses; the possibilities are endless!
Time-Saving: Make it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready, freeing up your schedule for other fun activities!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients
For the Casserole
- Shredded Cooked Chicken – This is the hearty base; using rotisserie chicken enhances flavor and saves time.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds a creamy, flavorful depth; you can substitute it with cream of mushroom for a new twist.
- Sour Cream – Enriches the dish with tangy creaminess; Greek yogurt serves as a lighter alternative.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Provides that beloved sharpness and melty texture; try different cheese blends for unique flavors.
- Sliced Green Onions – Gives a fresh, mild onion kick; chives are a nice replacement if you prefer.
- Slivered Almonds – Introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor; feel free to omit for a nut-free version.
- Cooked Bacon – Infuses savory richness; swap for turkey bacon or leave out for a vegetarian option.
- Hot Sauce – Adds a kick to the overall flavor; adjust or omit to tailor the heat to your taste.
For the Topping
- Ritz Crackers – Forms a buttery, crunchy crown on top; any buttery cracker can work as a substitute.
- Melted Butter – Enhances the richness of the topping; olive oil can be a lighter option if preferred.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheating is essential for even cooking and that perfect bubbly finish.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, cooked bacon, and hot sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
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Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. This ensures every scoop has that delicious balance of flavors.
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Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the casserole mixture, adding that irresistible buttery crunch.
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Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. The aroma will have you eagerly anticipating the first bite!
Optional: Garnish with extra sliced green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 25-30 minutes). For faster results, microwave individual portions on medium until hot.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Enhance your comforting Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with delightful pairings that elevate your meal experience.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad balances the creaminess of the casserole and adds a vibrant crunch, making each bite feel fresh.
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, complementing the rich flavors of the casserole while providing a satisfying texture.
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Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky bread pairs perfectly, soaking up the creamy sauce and enhancing every bite with its aromatic warmth.
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Soft Dinner Rolls: These fluffy rolls invite you to savor every morsel, delivering the ultimate comfort during gatherings with family and friends.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized, slightly sweet roasted veggies introduce contrasting flavors and a delightful crunch that beautifully offsets the casserole’s richness.
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Iced Tea: A glass of sweetened iced tea offers a refreshing, slightly tangy sip that complements the savory notes of your casserole.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad provides a light, sweet finish to your meal, cooling off the palate after all that cheesy goodness.
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Apple Pie: For dessert, a slice of warm apple pie adds nostalgia and sweetness, creating a comforting finale to your delightful dinner.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Variations
Feel free to put your unique spin on this delightful casserole and surprise your family with different flavors!
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Turkey Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with shredded turkey for a lighter, post-holiday twist. This is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!
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Quinoa Base: For a protein-packed vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked quinoa, making it a wholesome, meat-free dish.
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Vegetable Boost: Add in steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in some greens. The vibrant colors make the casserole even more inviting!
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Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smooth, smoky flavor. Each cheese will bring a unique character to the dish.
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Nut-Free Option: To accommodate nut allergies, simply omit the slivered almonds or swap them with crushed cornflakes for that same crunchy texture.
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fragrant herbal note that elevates this classic casserole.
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Hot Sauce Adjustment: If you love it spicy, amplify the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños. For milder tastes, reduce the amount or omit it completely!
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Homemade Topping: Consider making your own buttery cracker topping with crushed homemade bread crumbs mixed with herbs for a personalized touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead Options
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is fantastic for busy home cooks looking to save time during their hectic week! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance by assembling the entire dish and covering it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also ensures a speedy bake when you’re ready to serve. To maintain quality, avoid adding the topping until just before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the cover and bake it as directed, adding an extra few minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Enjoy the comfort of this dish with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for well-shredded rotisserie chicken for optimal flavor and tenderness; it saves time and enhances taste.
- Cracker Crunch: For an extra crunch, toast the cracker topping in a pan for a few minutes before applying; this adds a delightful texture to the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
- Freezing Tips: Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing; this helps maintain the texture and flavor when reheating.
- Adjust the Heat: Start with a smaller amount of hot sauce; you can always add more in the mix to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends; try pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor twist!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this casserole?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose shredded cooked chicken from a rotisserie for its moisture and seasoning. When selecting green onions, look for bright green tops and firm bulbs free from dark spots. This ensures freshness and prevents any unwanted bitterness.
How should I store leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s essential to let the casserole cool completely before sealing to maintain its texture. For longer storage, consider freezing it!
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this delightful casserole! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
What should I do if my casserole is too watery?
If you find your casserole is too watery, it could be due to excess moisture in the chicken or sour cream. To remedy this, before mixing, drain excess liquid from the chicken and use only as much sour cream as needed for creaminess. If you’ve already baked it, pop the casserole back in the oven uncovered at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help evaporate some moisture.
Are there any allergens to consider with this recipe?
Certainly! This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and nuts (slivered almonds). If you’re preparing it for someone with allergies, you can easily substitute with Greek yogurt for dairy and omit the almonds altogether. Always double-check ingredient packaging to ensure safety.
How can I adjust this recipe for a vegetarian version?
Very! To make a vegetarian Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, simply swap out the chicken for cooked quinoa or your favorite plant-based protein. Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or omit any meat entirely. This way, you still enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness while accommodating dietary preferences!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, cooked bacon, and hot sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
- Evenly spread the combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.