The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Meet your new comfort-food obsession: The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This rich, creamy, and undeniably crowd-pleasing casserole is famed for its dreamy layers of shredded chicken, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and a buttery cracker topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to dazzle friends at your next potluck, this classic is a guaranteed hit that tastes every bit as luxurious as it sounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of familiar ingredients can come together to create pure casserole bliss. Every component in The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has a special job: from the shredded chicken that soaks up all those creamy flavors, to the punchy cheddar, to the crunch of buttery crackers and almonds on top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip any of them!
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: The hearty base that soaks up all the creamy goodness; rotisserie chicken works beautifully here for extra flavor and convenience.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Gives the casserole its signature creamy texture—don’t be afraid of the shortcut; it’s a classic for a reason.
- Sour Cream: Adds just the right touch of tang that balances out the richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the casserole for that deeply satisfying gooeyness; sharp cheddar is particularly good.
- Sliced Green Onions: They brighten everything up and add a fresh bite—sprinkle a little extra on top if you’re feeling fancy!
- Slivered Almonds: The subtle nutty crunch is the unexpected twist that makes this dish uniquely “Neiman Marcus.”
- Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled: Smoky bits of bacon bring salty, savory pops to every bite.
- Hot Sauce (such as Tabasco®): Just a dash to wake up all the flavors; adjust to your heat preference.
- Buttery Crackers (such as Ritz®), Crushed: These deliver that impossibly crisp, golden topping everyone loves.
- Butter, Melted: The glue for your cracker crust—don’t skimp, it’s worth it for that golden finish!
How to Make The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps develop that luscious crust around the edges—always a treat to scrape up extra crispy bits!
Step 2: Mix 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. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed, so each forkful is loaded with flavor, texture, and pops of color.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. This is what will become the rich, bubbly core of The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, so don’t be afraid to press it gently into all the corners.
Step 4: Top with Buttery Crackers
In a separate bowl, mix your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are beautifully coated. The butter ensures the cracker crust bakes up golden brown and satisfyingly crisp, so every bite contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling below.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Layer the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole and slide your masterpiece into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and you see those edges bubbling. The irresistible aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen by the time it’s done.
Step 6: Rest, Then Serve
Take the casserole out and let it rest for several minutes. This helps the filling set up and makes serving a breeze. Trust me, it’s worth the brief wait—you want those clean, creamy squares and that magical steam on the first cut.
How to Serve The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions or a scattering of extra slivered almonds right before serving brings a beautiful pop of color and freshness. A little chopped parsley or even a touch more crumbled bacon can elevate the dish and make it look extra enticing on the dinner table.
Side Dishes
Because The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is rich and inviting, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or simply some roasted vegetables. Fluffy rice or a warm baguette is always welcomed to soak up the creamy goodness too.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, or serve family-style straight from the dish for cozy gatherings. You can even use leftovers to stuff halved baked potatoes or pile onto thick slices of toasted bread for a decadent open-faced sandwich that reinvents your dinner in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover portions of The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole are a true kitchen treasure, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s quick to reheat for next-day lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the usual baking instructions. The cracker topping stays surprisingly crisp, so you don’t lose any of that irresistible crunch.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop servings in an oven-safe dish, cover lightly with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through—about 15–20 minutes. For a quick lunch, the microwave works fine, but the oven ensures that the cracker crust stays delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic timesaver with tons of flavor. Just shred it up and it works perfectly in the casserole, making prep even easier and delivering delicious results.
What if I don’t have slivered almonds?
No worries—you can substitute chopped pecans, leave the nuts out altogether, or even use sunflower seeds in a pinch. The almonds add a signature crunch, but the casserole is still amazing without them.
Is there a way to lighten up The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Of course. You can use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, or swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Even with these tweaks, you’ll still enjoy that luscious texture and decadent flavor the dish is known for.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare and refrigerate the unbaked casserole (without the crackers and butter topping) a day in advance. Just add the cracker mixture before baking to maintain the signature crunch.
How do I keep the cracker topping from getting soggy?
Add the cracker topping just before baking, and be sure the casserole is baked uncovered for that golden crisp finish. If reheating leftovers, popping them in the oven instead of the microwave will help revive the crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dish that delivers comfort, joy, and legendary flavor, look no further than The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Whether you’re sharing with friends or making memories around the family table, this casserole is always a winning choice. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!
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The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and comforting Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy sauce, cheese, bacon, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. This classic casserole is a family favorite and perfect for gatherings.
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
Cracker Topping:
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Chicken Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, bacon, and hot sauce. Mix well.
- Layer Chicken Mixture: Spread the chicken mixture in the prepared dish.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and spread over the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Neiman Marcus, Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Casserole Recipe
