If you’re in the mood for a dish that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate, look no further than this classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. This casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, sharp cheddar, crunchy almonds, and crispy bacon into one unforgettable, comforting meal. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds, making it a true kitchen favorite worth sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role to create a balanced and delicious casserole. From the creamy soup base to the crunchy buttery cracker topping, each component adds depth and character, making the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe surprisingly simple yet wonderfully rich.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein backbone that makes this casserole so satisfying.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy moisture and classic comfort flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that elevates the dish’s richness.
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: For melty, savory goodness and a beautiful golden finish.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: A fresh, mild bite to brighten up every mouthful.
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings smoky, salty depth to the mix.
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce: Just the right kick to awaken the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed: Classic Ritz-style crackers provide a crispy, buttery topping.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and adds extra lusciousness.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, slivered almonds, bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly incorporated. This mixture is the heart and soul of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish
Pour the delicious chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, making sure you reach the edges for a uniformly cooked casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. This buttery crunch will form that irresistible golden topping everyone loves.
Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer, covering it well so that every bite gets that perfect crisp finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for the bubbly edges and a beautifully browned crust—the sign that your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is ready.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to set up. This way, every slice holds together nicely, making serving a breeze and the experience all the more comforting.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and color, sprinkle extra sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving. A small drizzle of hot sauce can add brightness if your crowd loves a little extra heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even a light coleslaw to balance the creamy, hearty flavors. Roasted asparagus or simple garlic bread will also round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also layer it over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to absorb every bit of the savory sauce and topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an easy grab-and-go meal for busy days.
Freezing
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze it before baking in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly and heated through—usually 20 to 25 minutes. For a quick fix, you can microwave individual portions, though the oven helps retain that crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this recipe, saving you time while keeping the dish flavorful and tender.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the buttery crackers for a gluten-free cracker option and double-check other ingredients like the soup to ensure they are gluten-free certified.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Sure! You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as alternatives, giving the dish a slightly different but delicious twist.
How spicy is the hot sauce in the recipe?
The 1 ½ teaspoons of Tabasco adds a mild kick that enhances flavor without overwhelming—it’s easy to adjust more or less depending on your heat preference.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
You can shred chicken easily using two forks or your hands after it’s cooled slightly. Alternatively, pulse it a few times in a food processor for a quicker method, but avoid overprocessing it into mush.
Final Thoughts
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is a beautiful blend of comforting textures and bold flavors that feels like a special treat no matter the occasion. I encourage you to make it your own, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the hearty satisfaction that only a dish like this can bring. It’s truly one of those recipes that becomes a treasured go-to in your kitchen.
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish combining shredded chicken, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crunchy almonds, crispy bacon, and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck, this casserole features a delightful combination of textures and a hint of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
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 Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensuring easy serving.
- Mix Chicken Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking and an even crust later.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated with butter to create a rich, crunchy topping.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole, covering the entire surface for a golden crust once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, indicating it is heated through and nicely cooked.
- Let Casserole Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- Using crushed buttery crackers gives a wonderfully crisp topping; crushed plain crackers can be used but might yield less flavor.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
