Retro Deli Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe That Feeds a Crowd

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has earned its reputation as a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that offers families together around the dinner table.

Rich flavors combine in a creamy, satisfying meal that works beautifully for busy weeknights or special gatherings when something hearty is called for.

The recipe brings restaurant-worthy results without requiring advanced cooking skills, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced home cooks.

Potlucks and dinner parties become effortless when you have a reliable main course that feeds a group and always receives compliments.

Leftovers reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy delicious meals throughout the week with minimal effort.

The casserole comes together quickly, saving precious time while still providing that homemade touch everyone loves.

Scroll down for the full recipe and see why so many home cooks rely on this classic dish season after season.

Why Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Is Classic

  • Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole turns dinner into a guaranteed hit that gets everyone around the table excited and asking for seconds.
  • Simple Comfort: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Flexible Feast: The recipe works perfectly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family without complicated cooking skills.
  • Texture Paradise: Crunchy cracker topping meets creamy chicken mixture, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every single bite.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken (4 cups): Shredded and ready to be the star of this creamy casserole.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup (1 10.5-ounce can), Sour Cream (1 cup), Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): These ingredients bring rich, tangy creaminess to your dish.
Crunch and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions (1/2 cup), Slivered Almonds (1/2 cup): Add fresh bite and nutty texture to your casserole.
Savory Extras:
  • Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled), Hot Sauce (1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco): Bring smoky, spicy depth to every bite.
Crunchy Topping:
  • Buttery Crackers (1 sleeve Ritz, crushed), Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Create a golden, crispy layer that makes your casserole irresistible.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Tools

  • Large Bowl (4-quart): Your main mixing vessel for combining all those delicious ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
  • Casserole Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for baking and serving your hearty chicken mixture, creating that perfect golden-topped comfort dish.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise tools for ensuring your ingredients are perfectly portioned and balanced.
  • Measuring Spoons: Small but mighty helpers for adding just the right amount of hot sauce and seasoning.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Crucial for stirring ingredients together without making a mess in your kitchen.
  • Sharp Knife: Handy for chopping green onions and preparing any additional ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping your ingredients safely.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Baking Guide

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Baking Guide
1

Prep Kitchen Workspace

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2

Mix Core Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these delicious components:

  • 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 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well blended and looking seriously tasty.

3

Prepare Crunchy Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into small pieces. Melt 1/2 cup butter and mix it with the cracker crumbs until they’re perfectly coated.

4

Layer Casserole

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the buttery cracker crumbs evenly across the top, creating a beautiful golden-brown surface.

5

Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden color and the edges start bubbling.

6

Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes cutting and serving easier. Grab your favorite serving spoon and dig in!

Which Tips Enhance Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

  • Choose a sharp Cheddar to give your casserole deeper, richer flavor that really pops when baked.
  • Shred or chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces so every spoonful has perfect texture and even distribution.
  • Crush your crackers roughly to create a crispy, golden topping that adds delightful texture to your creamy casserole base.
  • Mix your cream of chicken soup and sour cream thoroughly to ensure a smooth, consistent sauce that coats every ingredient.
  • Check your casserole around 20 minutes to prevent over-browning and ensure a golden, not burnt, cracker topping.

What Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Variations to Try

  • Veggie-Loaded Version: Swap chicken with diced portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, and toss in extra seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace crackers with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or cornflakes, and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the entire casserole safe for sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap hot sauce for chipotle sauce, sprinkle in some cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Lean Protein Option: Use shredded turkey breast or rotisserie chicken instead of traditional chicken, and opt for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to boost protein and reduce fat content.

Best Serving Options for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

  • Perfect Side Dish: Serve this creamy casserole alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add some freshness to your plate.
  • Protein Pairing: Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli make excellent vegetable companions that complement the casserole’s creamy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake right before dinner for an easy weeknight meal that saves you time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Portions: This recipe works great for potlucks and family gatherings – it serves 4-6 people generously and travels well in a covered dish.

Store Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Confidently

  • Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy cracker topping separate to maintain its crunch.
  • Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
  • For best texture, warm your casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning while restoring its original delicious warmth.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the casserole’s creamy consistency.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time preparing the meat.

FAQ

Are there alternatives to Ritz crackers for the topping?

Definitely. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers will create a similar crunchy texture.

FAQ

How can I make this casserole less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce to create a milder version that suits your taste preferences.

FAQ

Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

FAQ

Can I freeze this casserole?

Definitely! Wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Print
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Retro Deli Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Retro Deli Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 1x

Description

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole brings comfort straight from your kitchen with tender chicken and creamy sauce that hugs your taste buds. Cheesy, hearty, and simple to prepare, this classic casserole delivers warmth on a plate that makes dinner feel like a delicious home celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Extras and Toppings:

  • ½ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce
  • 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups shredded chicken, 1 (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup sour cream until thoroughly blended.
  3. Fold 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, ½ cup green onions, ½ cup slivered almonds, 6 crumbled bacon slices, and 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
  4. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
  5. Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix with ½ cup melted butter until completely incorporated.
  6. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs uniformly over the chicken mixture, creating an even top layer.
  7. Slide the casserole into the 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble slightly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Double-check chicken doneness by ensuring it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before mixing with other ingredients.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Toast almonds before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the casserole’s texture.
  • Make ahead by preparing the entire dish and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and simplifies meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 to 8
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Daniel Navarro

Daniel Navarro

Culinary Content Director

Expertise

Mexican-inspired Menus, Seasonal Restaurant Specials, Shared Plate Dining, Tequila Pairings, Chef-driven Recipes

Education

City Colleges of Chicago
  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science
  • Focus: Trained in hands-on food production in a commercial food-service setting, with coursework that covers culinary technique, ethnic and classical menus, business planning, cost control, and merchandising.

Daniel writes about bold flavors, chef-driven dishes, and the kind of restaurant moments that turn tacos, mezcal, and shared plates into a night worth repeating.

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