Looking for a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing comfort food casserole? This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe—rich, savory, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. It’s everything you love about Southern casseroles: cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or easy holiday side dishes.
This easy chicken casserole combines shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and slivered almonds, all folded into a luscious sour cream and cream of chicken base—then topped with buttery Ritz crackers for that signature golden crunch.
Why You’ll Love
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Rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying comfort food
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Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
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Crispy Ritz cracker topping for texture
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Great for potlucks, holidays, and meal prep
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Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
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A Southern classic everyone will request again and again
Ingredient Breakdown
Shredded Chicken – A protein-packed base. Use rotisserie chicken, baked, or poached chicken breast.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creamy body and savory depth.
Sour Cream – Brings tang and a silky texture to the filling.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce for cheesy richness.
Green Onions – Offers a mild sharpness and color contrast.
Slivered Almonds – Adds nutty crunch and classic Southern flair.
Bacon – Salty, smoky, and irresistible in every bite.
Hot Sauce – Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
Ritz Crackers – Buttery crunch on top.
Melted Butter – Binds the cracker topping and adds richness.
Ingredients
Casserole Base:
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4 cups shredded cooked chicken
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup sliced green onions
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½ cup slivered almonds
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1½ teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Topping:
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1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Filling
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 everything is evenly coated.
3. Fill the Casserole Dish
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
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Don’t overbake—remove when the center is heated through and edges are bubbly.
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Fresh bacon is best, but pre-cooked crumbles work in a pinch.
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Toast almonds lightly before adding for extra crunch.
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Add a layer of shredded cheese beneath the cracker topping for extra gooeyness.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
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Swap almonds with chopped pecans or omit for nut-free.
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Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a protein boost.
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Try Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for a spicier flavor profile.
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Make it spicy by doubling the hot sauce or adding cayenne pepper.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers and soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with:
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
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Buttered egg noodles or garlic mashed potatoes
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Cornbread muffins for a Southern feast
Make-Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add cracker topping just before baking.
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To freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge, add topping, and bake as directed.
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Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Use the oven or an air fryer to re-crisp the topping.
Cultural Note
This casserole gets its name from the iconic Neiman Marcus department store, where a variation was once served in the Zodiac Room café. Over the years, home cooks turned it into a potluck classic thanks to its decadent combination of textures and easy prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though rotisserie or homemade shredded chicken offers better texture and flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep the base and store it covered in the fridge, then add the topping and bake just before serving.
Can I omit the almonds?
Yes, especially for nut allergies. The texture will change slightly, but the casserole is still delicious.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze before baking and add the cracker topping right before placing it in the oven.
What other cheese can I use?
Colby Jack, Mozzarella, or a Mexican blend all melt well and taste great.
Notes
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Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before mixing into the base.
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Let the casserole rest before slicing for neater portions.
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Keep an eye on the topping during the last 10 minutes—tent with foil if it browns too quickly.