If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious meal, look no further than the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a rich, creamy base, melty cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping that crisps up perfectly in the oven. Each bite offers vibrant textures and cozy flavors that instantly make you feel at home. Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or just a weeknight craving, this casserole never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, making the dish balanced and easy to pull together without fuss.
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds juicy, tender meat effortlessly.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Creates a velvety, savory base that binds everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creamy richness to the mixture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and gooey melty goodness inside the casserole.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Finishes the dish with a golden, cheesy crust.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional but recommended): Introduces freshness, color, and extra nutrition.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when baked.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): Creates a crunchy, buttery topping that’s pure comfort food.
- ½ cup melted butter: Binds the cracker topping together for a golden finish.
How to Make Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and you get that perfect golden topping without overcooking the creamy base.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, mixed vegetables, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything until creamy and well incorporated. This mixture forms the heart of your casserole, blending hearty protein and velvety creaminess with fresh veggie goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then pour in the creamy chicken filling. Spread it evenly so it bakes consistently and every scoop is as delicious as the last.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, then add the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This topping creates the signature crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a bubbly texture and a golden brown top that’s irresistibly crisp. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning while allowing the inside to stay hot and melty.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes once out of the oven. This resting time helps everything settle, making it easier to serve and ensuring each portion holds its shape perfectly.
How to Serve Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note that elevates this cozy casserole visually and flavor-wise. A dash of paprika can also add warmth and appeal to the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. These lighter options balance the richness of the chicken casserole, adding brightness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This personalized touch is perfect for gatherings and makes each serving feel special, plus it’s great for portion control and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy and tasty meal to reheat later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. For unbaked casseroles, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then package it securely for the same duration.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese topping regains its melt and slight crispness, about 15 to 20 minutes. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the topping, so use the oven if you want to preserve that crunchy layer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Cooked and shredded chicken from your own roasting, poaching, or grilling works wonderfully in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is just a time-saving shortcut.
What vegetables work best in this casserole?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are classic choices because they add color and texture without overpowering the dish. Feel free to customize with your favorites.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the buttery crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep the crisp topping without gluten concerns.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this casserole more indulgent?
Try adding extra cheese or a layer of crispy bacon bits on top before baking. A handful of grated Parmesan mixed into the filling can also add a lovely depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and crunchy topping, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you do, it’ll be requested again and again.
Print
Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a hearty family meal or potluck.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well!)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus an additional ½ cup for topping)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional but recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for evenly baking the casserole.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper, then stir all ingredients until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray, then pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, blend the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter thoroughly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top for added cheesiness and a golden crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can also use poached or leftover chicken.
- Mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, and corn — feel free to customize based on preference or what you have on hand.
- Use crushed buttery crackers like Ritz for a rich, flavorful topping.
- Covering loosely with foil towards the end of baking prevents the topping from burning while allowing the casserole to heat through.
- This casserole reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
