Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden-topped Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole from your oven, the rich aroma of savory chicken, melted cheese, and buttery crackers filling your kitchen. This legendary comfort food dish has been gracing dinner tables for generations, offering an irresistible combination of creamy texture and complex flavors. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole stands out from ordinary casseroles with its unique blend of sour cream, almonds, and that surprising touch of beef. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients while mastering the techniques that make it a timeless favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has earned its reputation as a beloved classic for good reasons. This dish strikes the perfect balance between satisfying comfort food and elevated home cooking—it’s sophisticated enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

What sets this casserole apart is its delightful textural contrasts: tender shredded chicken nestled in a velvety sauce, crowned with a crispy, buttery cracker topping that provides the perfect crunch. The addition of slivered almonds contributes an unexpected nuttiness and texture that elevates this dish beyond ordinary chicken casseroles.

The flavor profile is equally impressive—savory chicken and beef harmonize with the tangy sour cream, while green onions add a fresh bite. A hint of heat from the hot sauce awakens your palate without overwhelming the dish. Best of all, this chicken casserole recipe comes together with minimal effort, using easy-to-find ingredients that create maximum flavor impact. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or culinary enthusiasts, this versatile dish consistently earns rave reviews.

Ingredients List for the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This iconic casserole combines simple pantry staples with a few special additions to create its signature rich flavor profile. The combination of both chicken and beef gives this dish its distinctive heartiness, while the almonds and green onions add texture and visual appeal.

• 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 beef, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco or to taste
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole comes down to mastering a few critical techniques that make all the difference:

Chicken Preparation: For the most flavorful results, consider using rotisserie chicken rather than plain boiled chicken. The seasoned, roasted meat adds depth to the casserole. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, consider poaching it in chicken broth with aromatics like onion, celery, and bay leaf for maximum flavor. Always let the chicken cool slightly before shredding for easier handling.

Texture Balance: The contrast between the creamy filling and crunchy topping defines this dish. To maintain this balance, don’t crush the crackers too finely—you want some larger pieces for textural interest. Additionally, avoid overmixing the casserole ingredients, which can make them dense. Instead, fold them together gently until just combined to maintain lightness.

Temperature Management: One common mistake is serving the casserole immediately after baking. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld and the texture set, making it easier to portion and ensuring a more cohesive bite. This brief cooling period transforms a good casserole into an exceptional one.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, beef, and hot sauce.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and spread over the chicken mixture.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Variations

The classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is delicious as is, but these variations can keep the dish exciting each time you prepare it:

Mushroom Lover’s Version: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the mixture. This earthy variation adds umami depth and makes the casserole even more substantial. The mushroom flavor pairs beautifully with both the chicken and beef components.

Lighter Alternative: For a healthier version of the chicken casserole recipe, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, reduce the cheese to 1 cup, and substitute whole grain crackers for the buttery ones. This adaptation maintains the creamy texture while reducing the calorie count significantly.

Southwest Style: Transform this dish with Tex-Mex flavors by adding 1 can of diced green chilies, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and substituting pepper jack for half of the cheddar cheese. Finish with chopped cilantro after baking for a fresh, zesty chicken casserole that offers a completely different flavor profile while maintaining the comforting essence of the original.

Storage and Serving

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months. When reheating from refrigerated, cover with foil and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes; from frozen, bake covered at 325°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover for 10 minutes to re-crisp the top.

For serving, pair this chicken casserole with sides that complement without competing. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provide nutritional balance and color on the plate. For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttered egg noodles or wild rice to catch every drop of the delicious sauce.

For an elegant presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or chives over each portion just before serving, and offer a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart counterpoint that elevates this comfort food to dinner party status.

FAQs

Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Keep the cracker topping separate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from refrigerated.

What can I substitute for the beef in this recipe?
Bacon makes an excellent substitute for beef, offering similar savory notes. You can also use turkey bacon or omit the meat entirely for a lighter version of the chicken casserole.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or a mixture of gluten-free bread crumbs and almond flour for the topping.

What size casserole dish works best?
A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. If using a deeper dish, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the center heats through completely.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole. It adds additional flavor and saves preparation time, making this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole even more convenient for busy weeknights.

Print