If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a classic dish that brings all the comfort and flavor of Southern hospitality right to your table, the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is your answer. This creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying casserole combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a touch of spicy hot sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. The crowning glory? A buttery, crunchy cracker topping that makes every bite an absolute delight. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. Each component plays its role — from the creamy base creating richness, to the cheeses adding melty goodness, the green onions and almonds lending texture and freshness, and the bacon bringing that smoky punch. This combination ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: This is the hearty protein foundation that holds the dish together.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and binds the casserole perfectly.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess to lighten the texture.
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a little crunch.
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds: Introduce a subtle nutty texture and surprising contrast.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings a smoky, savory hit that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce: A hint of heat to cut through the richness.
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed: Creates the golden, buttery crust that makes the casserole legendary.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and adds deep buttery flavor.
How to Make Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for a non-stick experience and ensures your casserole bakes evenly with a beautifully crisp bottom layer.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until it’s completely mixed—this creamy, savory filling is what brings the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe to life.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly and ensures every forkful includes a bit of each flavorful ingredient.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. This combination is the magic behind that signature golden, crunchy topping everyone raves about.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Evenly spread the buttered cracker mixture over the top of your chicken casserole. Pat it down lightly for good coverage—it will bake up into an irresistible crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your casserole for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topper is a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is bubbly all around the edges. Your kitchen will start smelling like pure comfort heaven during this time!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve and lets all those flavors and textures settle perfectly. Then, dig in and enjoy the famous dish that’s won hearts over generations.
How to Serve Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra pop to your Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe, try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions on top just before serving. These bright green garnishes lift the rich casserole with a splash of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crisp green salad to refresh the palate, some roasted vegetables for an earthy touch, or classic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Each side will complement the flavors while adding balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to show off your casserole with a bit of flair? Serve it in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or layer it over steamed rice or buttered noodles to create a hearty one-dish meal. The possibilities to wow your guests with the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole’s flavors continue to meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully—an excellent option for meal prep. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cracker topping has regained some crispness, about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that deliciously crunchy topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe—it saves time and adds great flavor with minimal effort.
Can I substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version?
Yes, you can make your own cream of chicken soup to control ingredients or for a fresher taste. Just ensure it’s thick and creamy enough to bind the casserole properly.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
While the traditional recipe is cheese and sour cream-based, you could experiment with dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives. However, it might alter the classic creamy texture and flavor you love about the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe.
What can I do if I’m out of buttery crackers?
You can substitute buttery crackers with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed buttery crackers from other brands. The butter adds essential richness and crunch.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adjust the amount or type of hot sauce to your heat preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños can also bring more kick to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Jumping into the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug filled with flavors that have stood the test of time. It’s simple to prepare yet feels special enough to serve for family dinners or to impress guests. Take that step to make this beloved casserole, and I promise it will earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring shredded chicken blended with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, bacon, and a hint of hot sauce, all topped with a buttery cracker crust for a delightful crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Main 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
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until evenly mixed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavors.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated, creating a rich and crispy topping.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Evenly spread the buttered cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole to form a crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is well shredded for best texture and even distribution in the casserole.
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- The buttery cracker topping provides a nice contrast in texture, so don’t skip it.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers and ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten free.
