If you have ever craved a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of crunchy magic all in one bite, then you are absolutely going to want to try the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. This beloved casserole delivers tender shredded chicken combined with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a buttery cracker crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a perfect dish for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re seeking a trusted crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the first step to creating your own Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy texture from the sour cream and soup, the sharpness from the cheddar cheese, or the rich crunch of the buttery cracker topping and bacon.
- Shredded cooked chicken (4 cups): The hearty base of the casserole, providing protein and a satisfying texture.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to bind everything together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Contributes tanginess and a velvety smooth texture.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese (2 cups): Delivers rich, sharp flavor and gooey cheesiness.
- Sliced green onions (1/2 cup): Offers a fresh, mild onion bite to brighten the mix.
- Slivered almonds (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle nuttiness and delicate crunch inside the casserole.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Introduces smoky, savory notes that elevate the dish.
- Hot sauce (1 ½ teaspoons): Provides a gentle kick of heat to balance the richness.
- Buttery crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): The secret to the irresistible golden topping that seals in all those flavors.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Combines with the crackers to create a perfectly crispy, golden crust.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and that the crust bakes up perfectly crispy on the edges.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until everything is evenly blended. This is the heart of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe, where creamy, savory, and crunchy elements all come together.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. This ensures every bite has the perfect combination of flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. This buttery topping will bake into a golden, crunchy crust that’s so satisfying to break through.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until you see the topping turn a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole bubbles invitingly around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps everything set beautifully, making it easier to serve and enjoy every delicious spoonful.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or extra sliced green onions on top just before serving. These brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of color that makes the casserole even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These sides provide a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also ladle a generous scoop onto a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the cheesy goodness, turning it into a comforting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy, delicious meal you can enjoy without extra prep.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the topping regains some crispness. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, but the oven method keeps the crust delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time. Just shred it up and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What can I substitute for the crackers if I have dietary restrictions?
You can use crushed gluten-free crackers, crushed cornflakes, or even panko breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy topping without gluten.
Is it possible to make this casserole without bacon?
Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the bacon or replace it with cooked sausage or turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.
How spicy is the hot sauce in the recipe?
The hot sauce adds a gentle kick that complements the creamy elements; you can adjust the amount to your heat preference or skip it entirely if you want a milder dish.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true classic that brings people together with its irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews and requests for seconds. Trust me, once you try this cozy casserole, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort dishes that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish combining shredded chicken, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, almonds, and a buttery cracker topping baked to golden perfection. This rich casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a hint of heat from hot sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz® crackers), crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are well coated and combined.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier version, increase the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños.
- Make sure the shredded chicken is well-drained to avoid a soggy casserole.
- The buttery cracker topping creates a delightful crunchy texture; crushing the crackers finely will help them adhere well.
- This casserole reheats well and is great for making ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
