Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This delightful dish brings together a creamy, cheesy, and savory chicken mixture topped with buttery, crispy Ritz crackers and crunchy bacon. It is incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying casserole that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
This extraordinary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole truly hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Irresistible Flavor: Experience a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, cheesy goodness with delightful textures from the crispy topping and crunchy bacon.
- Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this impressive dish with ease.
- Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts will adore this comforting casserole, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Each bite delivers a heartwarming and satisfying experience, making it the perfect dish to unwind with after a long day.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 32 crackers)
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted (can use salted or unsalted)
- 4 cups cooked diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup slivered almonds (optional)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for topping, if preferred)
Notes & Substitutions
- Crackers: Use salted or unsalted Ritz crackers for the topping. Saltines or Club crackers also make excellent substitutes for that buttery crunch.
- Butter: Choose salted or unsalted butter based on your preference and the saltiness of your crackers.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, or use pre-cooked chicken breasts. Ensure chicken is diced evenly for consistent texture.
- Cream Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor profile in your creamy chicken mixture.
- Sour Cream: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. Mayonnaise also works well for added richness.
- Cheese: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like Pepper Jack for a kick, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Almonds: Slivers of almonds add an optional, delightful crunch. Chopped water chestnuts can also provide a similar textural element.
- Bacon: Freshly cooked and crumbled bacon offers the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked bacon bits are a convenient alternative in this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this fantastic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Instructions
Creating your amazing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup later.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir these ingredients together until the cracker crumbs are fully coated with butter. Set this topping mixture aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and cooked and crumbled bacon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is fully combined and evenly distributed. If you are using them, gently stir in the optional slivered almonds now.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to level the surface, ensuring consistent baking.
Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of the chicken mixture. Make sure the topping covers the entire surface for that signature golden crust.
Bake the casserole uncovered on the middle rack of your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Carefully remove the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole from the oven. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Garnish with additional chopped bacon, fresh sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and savor every delicious spoonful of this classic dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Elevate your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with these helpful pro tips:
- Even Chicken Pieces: Dice your cooked chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures every bite has consistent texture and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Crispy Bacon: Always cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp before crumbling. This adds a crucial textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the casserole ingredients. Overmixing can toughen the chicken and alter the creamy consistency.
- Golden Topping: Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking. The Ritz cracker topping can brown quickly, so watch it to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and the dish set, making for cleaner portions.
- Season to Taste: Taste the chicken mixture before baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, especially since the soup and crackers add salt.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is delightful on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with various sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this rich casserole alongside fluffy white rice or classic egg noodles to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Pair it with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, roasted asparagus, or tender green beans make excellent, healthy accompaniments.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For optimal food safety, follow federal guidelines for safe food storage practices.
- Freeze: To freeze, assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the cracker topping. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Add the cracker topping just before baking from frozen or thawed.
- Reheat: For individual portions, microwave until heated through. To reheat a larger portion, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warm, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping if desired.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in frozen peas, cooked carrots, or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a subtle or prominent heat.
- Herbaceous: Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or thyme can infuse an aromatic freshness into the casserole.
- Cheese Blend: Create a custom cheese blend by combining cheddar with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a sharp provolone for a more complex cheesy flavor.
Nutrition Information
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole offers a satisfying and hearty meal.
| Nutrient | Amount (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 603 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 47g |
| Sodium | 934mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and preparations used in your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is this called Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole? This popular dish originates from a beloved chicken salad or casserole served in the cafes of the Neiman Marcus department store.
Understanding the dish’s roots, its history traces back to a beloved offering in the department store’s cafes, as detailed in an article about the origins of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the cracker topping and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What else can I add to this casserole? Feel free to incorporate frozen peas, cooked carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and texture.
- What can I use in place of cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes if you prefer a different flavor base.
- What else can I add to the topping? Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or paprika over the Ritz cracker topping for enhanced flavor and a beautiful golden-red hue.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any remaining Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Microwave individual servings until hot, or bake the entire dish, covered, at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion
This classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers on all fronts: incredible flavor, comforting warmth, and remarkable ease of preparation. Its creamy, cheesy chicken filling topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust creates a truly delightful texture and taste sensation. We encourage you to try this simple, flavorful recipe and experience the joy of a truly satisfying meal. It is perfect for sharing with your loved ones and creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ultimate Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a bowl, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Evenly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, or fresh parsley if desired before serving.