Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving serious comfort food with a touch of elegance, look no further than Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This dish is famous for its luscious layers of creamy chicken, savory cheese, smoky bacon, and a buttery cracker topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a potluck, it’s the kind of recipe that always draws recipe requests and seconds. A true crowd-pleaser, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole puts a gourmet twist on the classic chicken bake—it’s one you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beautiful things about Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is how its simple ingredients come together to create unforgettable flavor and comfort. Every component plays an important role, whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, color, or just that wow-factor bite.

• Shredded cooked chicken: The heart of the dish, bringing lean protein and satisfying bites—rotisserie chicken works especially well here for extra flavor.
• Cream of chicken soup: Delivers the casserole’s signature creamy texture and helps hold all the delicious elements together.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into every crevice for ooey-gooey goodness and a punch of familiar cheesiness.
• Sliced green onions: Infuse a pop of color and a subtle bite, brightening up each mouthful.
• Slivered almonds: Offer an enticing crunch and a hint of nuttiness that sets this casserole apart.
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Savory, smoky bits that take the dish straight over the top.
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco®): Optional but recommended for just the right kick and depth of flavor; adjust to your taste!
• Buttery crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed: The crowning glory, making for a crisp, golden topping.
• Butter, melted: Ensures those crushed crackers come out perfectly golden and flavorful after baking.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole will bake up bubbly and golden. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray to make cleanup easy and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy, uniform, and inviting. This is where all those classic flavors blend together—don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly distributed from edge to edge so every spoonful gets a bit of everything that makes Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole so special.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the crushed crackers and melted butter. This combination creates that unforgettable crunchy, buttery topping. Once mixed, sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole, covering every last inch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a deep golden-brown and the edges are bubbling with creamy goodness. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—this helps set the casserole for easy serving!

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions or a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of brightness. A few additional bacon crumbles never hurt, adding extra color and flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and satisfying, but it plays beautifully with fresh green salads or simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a true comfort meal, pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for a charming personal touch. Or, serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole buffet-style at family gatherings, letting everyone help themselves. You can even top each plate with an extra sprinkle of toasted almonds for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making lunch or repeat dinners a total delight.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months—perfect for prepping in advance or saving for a busy weeknight.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and the top crisps up again—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. A quick spin in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives back that irresistible crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves time but adds loads of flavor, making the casserole even more delicious and convenient.

What can I use instead of slivered almonds?

If you have a nut allergy or prefer something different, simply omit the almonds or substitute with crushed pretzels or a handful of sunflower seeds for crunch.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes! You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different twist, or make a homemade white sauce if you’d like to keep things from-scratch.

Can Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole be made ahead?

Definitely. Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Add the cracker topping just before baking so it stays perfectly crisp.

How spicy is the casserole with hot sauce?

The hot sauce adds just a gentle kick, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or leave it out for a milder version that’s still packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Give this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen! It’s the best kind of comfort food—easy, family-friendly, and always a hit. Don’t be surprised if it steals the show at your next dinner or potluck.

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