Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting Classic

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish inspired by the iconic department store’s tearoom classics. This creamy, cheesy casserole is packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it combines convenience with indulgent flavors for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Key Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked diced or shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 32 crackers)
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted

Directions to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and level it out with a spatula.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter to create a rich, buttery topping.
  5. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for five minutes before serving.
  8. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped bacon or fresh herbs like parsley or sliced green onions.

Why This Recipe Shines

What makes this casserole so popular is its perfect contrast of textures—the creamy cheesy base combines beautifully with the crunchy almond and buttery cracker topping. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making it a fantastic go-to comfort food. You can also customize it with other cheeses or swap almonds for water chestnuts for more crunch.

Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple for everyday dining.

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