I still remember the first time I made Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. It was one of those nights when I just wanted something creamy, cozy, and easy without standing in the kitchen for hours.
I pulled out some leftover chicken, mixed it with a few simple ingredients, and baked it until golden and bubbly.
When I took that first bite, I thought, “Wow, this is the kind of dish you can eat on repeat and never get bored.” That’s exactly why I’m sharing it with you—because I know once you try it, you’ll love it as much as I do.
Let’s dig into how you can make it, why it’s so delicious, and how to put your own twist on it.
What Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
The name sounds fancy, but trust me, this casserole is anything but complicated. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy chicken dish layered with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheese, then topped with buttery Ritz crackers. It’s baked until bubbly, golden, and irresistibly crispy on top.
The story behind the name is a bit unclear. Some say it was served at a Neiman Marcus café back in the day, while others claim it’s just a Southern classic that took on the name. Whatever the origin, it’s a dish that has stood the test of time because people keep coming back to it.
Think of it as the kind of casserole your grandma would bring to a potluck, and everyone would rush to grab a scoop before it was gone. It’s rich, filling, and has that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I love this recipe is because it uses pantry staples. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive—just simple things that come together to make magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp works best)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
That’s it. Just seven ingredients, and you’ve got yourself a dish that can feed the whole family.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Let’s walk through this recipe step by step. I promise, it’s simple and beginner-friendly.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
If you’ve got leftover chicken, great. If not, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store or quickly boil and shred a couple of chicken breasts. Shredded chicken works best here because it soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a big bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and a little salt and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse—it’s what makes the casserole rich, tangy, and cheesy.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the shredded chicken into the bowl and stir until every piece is coated. At this point, you’ll want to grab a spoon and taste it. Don’t skip this part—it’s a cook’s privilege.
Step 4: Layer in a Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth it out so the top is even.
Step 5: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
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Crush up one sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter. This is what gives the casserole its golden, crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken mixture.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The smell alone will make your stomach growl.
Why This Casserole Works Every Time
The beauty of this dish is how perfectly balanced it is. The creamy filling keeps it comforting, the cheese adds richness, and the buttery cracker topping gives it that crunch that makes every bite satisfying.
It also works for so many situations:
- Weeknight dinner when you’re short on time
- Potlucks where you want to bring something everyone will love
- Family gatherings where comfort food is a must
The other thing I love about it? It’s forgiving. You can swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and it’ll still turn out great.
Variations You Can Try
One of the fun parts about casseroles is that they’re flexible. Here are some ways you can put your own spin on this recipe:
- Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, broccoli, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Switch the soup: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little kick.
- Different cheese: Mozzarella makes it gooey, while pepper jack adds heat.
- Gluten-free: Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers.
Every version I’ve tried has turned out delicious, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better:
- Use rotisserie chicken – It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves time.
- Don’t skimp on the topping – The cracker crust is half the magic.
- Let it rest before serving – Give it 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets up and doesn’t fall apart when scooping.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready.
- Double it for leftovers – This reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
You could easily serve this casserole on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some great pairings:
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for something fresh
- Side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Garlic bread if you really want to go all-in on comfort food
And of course, don’t forget dessert. Something light and fruity like a lemon bar or fresh berries balances the meal perfectly.
FAQs
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs, club crackers, or even crushed cornflakes work well as substitutes.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! This is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Is there a lighter version?
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and skip some of the butter in the topping.
Final Thoughts
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and just plain comforting. The kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite because it tastes like a warm hug.
If you’ve never tried it before, make it tonight. If you already love it, try one of the variations and make it your own. Either way, I promise this casserole will become one of your go-to comfort meals.
