Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole (Baked/Casserole)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a winner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and layers of flavor. The beauty of this dish is that it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends or family come over. Plus, it makes delicious leftovers (if you even have any left!).

2. Ingredients (Shopping List)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:

Cooked chicken breast – 4 cups, shredded (best chicken breast)
Cream of chicken soup – 2 cans (10.5 oz each) (cream of chicken soup)
Sour cream – 1 cup (Daisy sour cream)
Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded (shredded cheddar)
Ritz crackers – 1 sleeve, crushed (Ritz crackers)
Butter – ½ cup, melted (unsalted butter)
Garlic powder – 1 tsp (garlic powder)
Onion powder – 1 tsp (onion powder)
Salt & pepper – to taste (sea salt, black pepper)
Optional add-ins: diced green chiles, mushrooms, or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.

3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances

Before you start, grab these tools to make life easier:

4. Preparation Steps (Barney Style 🟣)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook and shred your chicken if not already done. Rotisserie chicken also works beautifully.
Crush Ritz crackers in a zip-lock bag or pulse in a food processor until crumbly.
Melt the butter and mix it with the crushed crackers for your topping.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until creamy.
Fold in the shredded chicken to coat it fully with the creamy mixture.

5. Cooking/Baking Instructions

Grease your baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the dish.
Sprinkle the cracker-butter topping evenly on top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra golden topping, switch to the broiler for the last 2 minutes (but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn).

6. Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls make the perfect side to scoop up the creamy goodness.

7. Additional Tips

Healthier version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, whole wheat crackers, and reduced-fat cheese.
Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Freezer friendly: Assemble, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: ~820mg

(Nutrition will vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

9. FAQ Section

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this dish even quicker. Just shred and mix in.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use gluten-free crackers and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Cheddar is classic, but a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack adds extra creaminess.

10. Wrap-Up

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped with that buttery cracker crunch. It’s a recipe that brings people together around the table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday dinner.

Fun fact: This casserole became a hit thanks to its connection with Neiman Marcus, a store known for elegance and indulgence. The dish reflects that spirit—simple ingredients, elevated into something comforting yet special.

So grab your baking dish, gather the family, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!