Dinner

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 bacon, 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

ByZoe Lane July 21, 2025July 21, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of decadent delight to your table, it’s the iconic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor and topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust, this casserole has everything you could want in a homestyle favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to wow your guests at gatherings. Say hello to your new go-to recipe for easy yet irresistible comfort food!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole lies in its humble yet essential ingredients. Every element, from the moist chicken to the crispy topping, plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s perfectly balanced in texture and taste. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each component:

Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for unbeatable tenderness and convenience.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The rich base that binds the casserole together with creamy, savory goodness.
Sour Cream: Adds irresistible tang and silkiness to each forkful.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbly pockets of sharp flavor.
Sliced Green Onions: A pop of fresh color and a subtle bite to brighten the dish.
Slivered Almonds: Delivers unexpected crunch and a nutty warmth.
Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled: Smoky, salty, and utterly essential for that classic comfort taste.
Hot Sauce (such as Tabasco): Just a dash brings the perfect zippy kick to balance the richness.
Buttery Crackers (such as Ritz), Crushed: The legendary topping that turns golden and crispy.
Butter, Melted: Helps the crackers crisp up while adding deep, luscious flavor.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole will bake evenly and achieve that perfect, golden crust. A well-preheated oven is key for the cheese to melt beautifully and for the topping to crisp up just right.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Don’t hold back—give it all a good mix so every bite is packed with equal parts creamy, crunchy, and savory flavor. This is where all the magic (and mouthwatering aroma) begins.

Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Generously grease your favorite casserole dish to prevent sticking, then gently spoon in the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface, setting the stage for that iconic crunchy topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Stir them together until all the crumbs are evenly coated. This step is what gives Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole its signature crunch—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes—it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it for the flavors to settle and the texture to set.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Add a handful of fresh green onions or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a scattering of chopped parsley or even a few additional bacon crumbles gives the casserole a pop of color and even more flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with a refreshing green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. The casserole is rich and filling, so simple sides bring balance and freshness to your plate without overpowering the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. You can also bake it in a deep-dish skillet for rustic, tableside serving. No matter the vessel, a drizzle of extra hot sauce delivers a punchy finish for spice lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even more flavorful after the ingredients mingle overnight.

Freezing

This casserole is a meal prep superstar! Assemble and cover it well, then freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—allowing a few extra minutes for bubbling perfection.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the topping crisp and the filling creamy. If using the microwave, cover loosely and zap in short bursts, then finish under the broiler to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but adds juicy flavor and saves time in the kitchen. Just shred, measure, and mix it in.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake—add the cracker topping right before cooking for optimal crunch.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. It delivers the same tang and creamy texture with a slight extra boost of protein.

Can I make it without almonds?

Certainly! If you have a nut allergy or preference, simply leave out the almonds. The casserole will still be delicious and satisfying, just a little less crunchy.

How spicy does the hot sauce make this dish?

The hot sauce offers a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust the quantity or try a milder (or bolder!) hot sauce to suit your tastes.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t get much better than gathering around the table with a bubbling dish of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. With its irresistible blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors, this casserole truly is love at first bite. Give it a try for your next family dinner or potluck—you might just find yourself making it again and again!