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
Scale
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.
