This creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers rich comfort food flavors with minimal prep work.
Often called the famous department store chicken dish, this casserole features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious cream cheese sauce, topped with a golden buttery cracker crust.
Families love it for weeknight dinners when they crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare. Moreover, it comes together in under an hour using simple ingredients you likely keep stocked.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
First, this recipe satisfies even picky eaters with its creamy texture and mild seasoning. The combination of cheeses creates a velvety base that perfectly coats every piece of chicken. Secondly, the crunchy almond and cracker topping adds delightful contrast.
You’ll also appreciate how well leftovers reheat, making future meals stress-free. Additionally, the straightforward preparation means you can assemble it in one bowl and bake while preparing sides like this grilled vegetable bowl.
Recipe
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy chicken casserole with a buttery cracker topping – comfort food perfection!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped) (450 g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) (225 g)
- 1 cup sour cream (240 ml)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2.5 g)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) (225 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
- ½ cup slivered almonds (60 g)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)) (45 g)
- 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) (150 g)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted) (56 g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) (8 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, mozzarella, slivered almonds, and green onions until evenly combined.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter; mix until evenly moistened.
- Spread chicken mixture into greased baking dish and sprinkle cracker topping evenly over top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown around edges.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar, and bake another 5 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley and extra green onions before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smoothest sauce consistency.
- Patted-dry chicken prevents excess moisture in casserole.
- Let stand 5-10 minutes after baking for easier portioning.
- Pre-shredded cheeses may alter melting texture; shred fresh when possible.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 740 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 64 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
Cooked chicken forms the foundation of this dish. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience. Alternatively, boil or bake chicken breasts beforehand if preferred.
Creamy Blend
The sauce gets its richness from cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. For a lighter version, substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. Veganaise works well instead of regular mayonnaise too.
Cheese Choices
Cheddar and mozzarella provide classic meltability. Experiment with gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. Always shred cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded for smoother melting.
Crunchy Topping
Buttery crackers create that signature golden crust. Gluten-free crackers make an easy swap if needed. The almonds add nutty texture but can be omitted for allergies or replaced with crushed cornflakes.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and mayonnaise gradually, incorporating fully after each addition. Finally, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Components
Gently fold in shredded chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, mozzarella, almonds, and green onions. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Create Topping
Toss crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken base for that essential crispy layer.
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges. Remove from oven, top with remaining ½ cup cheddar, and bake 5 more minutes. Finish with parsley and extra green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
Firstly, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the sauce. Let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before mixing. Secondly, pat chicken dry after cooking to prevent water from thinning your sauce. Furthermore, let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving. Finally, customizing this recipe? Check out ideas in our cheesy beef dish guide for crunchy pairing inspiration.
Flavor Variations
Southwest Style
Add 1 cup corn kernels and 1 diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture. Replace almonds with crushed tortilla chips for the topping. Serve with salsa and avocado slices.
Mediterranean Twist
Mix in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ¼ cup sliced olives. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for tang. Pair with this Greek flatbread to complete your meal.
Mushroom Lovers
Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding to the chicken base. Substitute gruyère cheese for a deeper flavor profile. Top with fried onions instead of crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with bright, fresh sides to balance its creaminess. Consider simple green salads with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli drizzled with lemon. For heartier meals, roasted potatoes or wild rice work well. Don’t forget crusty bread to scoop up every delicious bite.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. To freeze, assemble the unbaked casserole up to buttermilk cracker topping step. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 740 kcal | 64 g | 14 g | 28 g | 1 g | 4 g | 980 mg |
FAQs About Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drained canned chicken works in a pinch. However, roasted chicken yields better texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Any buttery round crackers work. Try Town House or club crackers for similar results.
How can I make this lower-carb?
Replace cracker topping with pork rind crumbs or almond flour mixed with melted butter.
Why did my topping sink?
This happens if the casserole base is too wet. Pat chicken dry thoroughly before mixing.
Is it okay to make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble 1-2 days ahead without baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole might just become your new family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy interior and golden cracker crust deliver comfort in every bite. Furthermore, it’s versatile enough for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or freezer meal prep.
Serve it alongside simple roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for balanced meals. If you enjoy hearty chicken bakes, try pairing this with our steak and veggie bowl for protein-packed menu planning. Happy cooking!
