When you think of indulgent comfort food, few dishes rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of a Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole combines all the best textures and flavors into one easy dinner. Each bite is rich, savory, and irresistibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this casserole is the kind of easy family comfort food that brings everyone running to the table. It’s budget-friendly, made with simple pantry staples, and delivers the flavor of an upscale restaurant meal—without the fuss.
Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, crowd-pleasing casseroles, or meal prep ideas that reheat beautifully, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole checks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creamy and comforting: The combination of sour cream and soup creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Crunchy topping: Buttery Ritz crackers give the perfect golden-brown finish.
• Packed with flavor: Bacon, cheddar, and hot sauce create a savory, crave-worthy kick.
• Quick prep time: Only 15 minutes of prep before it hits the oven.
• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or dinners.
• Family-approved comfort food: Everyone—from kids to grandparents—will love it.
Ingredient Breakdown
Casserole Base Ingredients
Shredded Chicken – 4 cups: The heart of the dish. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast. It provides lean protein and soaks up the creamy sauce.
Cream of Chicken Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz): The shortcut secret to smooth, flavorful casserole filling. It blends with sour cream to create a rich, cohesive sauce.
Sour Cream – 1 cup: Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the salty and savory elements.
Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups, shredded: Provides that melty, cheesy texture every casserole needs. Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor depth.
Green Onions – ½ cup, sliced: Adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Slivered Almonds – ½ cup: A signature element of the Neiman Marcus casserole, these add crunch and subtle nuttiness.
Bacon – 6 slices, cooked and crumbled: Brings smoky, salty goodness that elevates every bite.
Hot Sauce – 1½ teaspoons: Adds a gentle heat that complements the creamy base without overpowering it. Adjust to taste for more or less spice.
Topping Ingredients
Ritz Crackers – 1 sleeve, crushed: The buttery topping that becomes crispy and golden during baking.
Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, melted: Helps the crackers brown evenly and adds extra richness.
Pro Tips
• Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds juicy flavor.
• Shred cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set and makes serving cleaner.
• Make it extra crispy: Broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes after baking for a golden, crunchy top.
• Add texture: Sprinkle panko crumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for a gourmet twist.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
• Low-carb version: Substitute crushed pork rinds for Ritz crackers.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the filling.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or a plant-based chicken substitute.
• Nut-free: Skip the almonds or replace them with crispy fried onions for crunch.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers for a fully gluten-free meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy casserole with:
• A crisp green salad – Lightens up the meal with freshness and crunch.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds color and nutrients for a balanced plate.
• Mashed potatoes or rice – Great for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
For entertaining, portion the casserole into individual ramekins and bake for personal servings—it looks elegant and is perfect for dinner parties or holiday buffets.
Make-Ahead + Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Before baking, top with crackers and butter.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
Storing Leftovers:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.
Reheating Tip:
Cover with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Cultural Notes
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole was inspired by upscale Southern comfort food traditions with a touch of elegance—much like the luxurious Neiman Marcus brand itself. While simple and made from humble ingredients, the blend of almonds, bacon, and creamy sauce gives it a sophisticated flavor that feels special enough for holidays, church suppers, or family celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
Can I use a different soup base?
Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup both work well for subtle flavor variations.
Can I make this healthier?
Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium soup. You can also replace half the chicken with steamed broccoli for added nutrients.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to keep the topping crisp.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, bacon, and hot sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
