If you’ve ever wondered what makes a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole truly unforgettable, let me introduce you to the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. This dish is a beautiful medley of tender shredded chicken, creamy tang, crunchy almonds, and crispy bacon, all baked beneath a golden buttery cracker crust. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite and has a wonderful way of bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this casserole will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a special role: from the creamy textures to the savory bites and that irresistible crunchy finish, making every spoonful memorable.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole satisfying.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds smooth creaminess and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives a subtle tang and richness that lifts the whole mix.
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Fresh bite and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Smoky saltiness that enhances every flavor layer.
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco®) to taste: Brings a gentle kick of heat to balance richness.
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed: Creates a buttery, crispy topping that’s the perfect finishing touch.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Helps the cracker topping brown beautifully and adds richness.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will slide out easily when it’s ready to serve. This step sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Savory Chicken Base
In a large bowl, combine those tender shredded chicken pieces with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Add the green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and just the right amount of hot sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined, teeming with flavor.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This gives the casserole a nice, uniform layer that will bake evenly and look beautiful once finished.
Step 4: Create the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until well combined. This mixture will become the crisp, golden crown of your casserole, adding a luxurious texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection
Spread the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base in the dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and beautifully bubbly, perfection in every inch.
Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving
Allow your casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This brief pause lets all those wonderful flavors settle and makes serving easier, ensuring each portion holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions on top right before serving. These garnishes bring a fresh pop of color and a little brightness that complements the rich casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Think steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or buttery garlic bread. These light options balance the creamy richness and make for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra crunchy cracker crumbs and a drizzle of hot sauce. It’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners where everyone gets their own personal portion of comfort food bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals or easy lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it fully, but don’t bake before freezing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Microwaving works too but can soften the crunchy topping, so the oven is your best bet for recreating that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—it’s already cooked and flavorful, making your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe even easier to prepare.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with cooked, chopped mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative, and omit the bacon. Using vegetable cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken also helps keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Any buttery, flaky cracker works well as a topping. Alternatives like Town House or Town House-style crackers, buttery graham crackers, or even panko mixed with melted butter can create a similar crispy crust.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely! Increase the hot sauce to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the mix to give your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe an exciting kick without overpowering the flavors.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If you notice the topping browning too fast during baking, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to avoid burning while ensuring everything bakes through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is like crafting a delicious memory that your family will cherish and ask for again and again. It’s both comforting and special, simple yet rich with layers of flavor and texture. I encourage you to try it out soon—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that once you make it, it becomes a go-to favorite for many joyful meals ahead.
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish combining shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, almonds, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting and savory experience with a delightful golden crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to ensure easy serving later.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly mixed.
- Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer for even baking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the cracker crumbs are well coated and combined thoroughly.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole, which will create a crunchy and golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and cool enough to enjoy safely.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier dish, increase the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Make sure the cracker topping is evenly coated with butter for optimal crispness.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven to maintain crispiness.
