When it comes to comforting dishes, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole stands out as a timeless favorite. This casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, rich cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a dish to impress guests, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the ease of preparation makes it an ideal weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon (about 4-6 strips)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, both cans of soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Bacon and Almonds: Fold in the chopped bacon and slivered almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Top with Crushed Crackers: In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole to create a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The casserole should be heated through and the topping should be crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The creamy, cheesy filling and crispy topping make every bite irresistible.
Why It’s a Favorite:
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is beloved for its comforting, indulgent combination of textures. The richness of the soups and sour cream contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the crackers and the savory bacon. It’s simple yet elegant, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.