If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines creamy indulgence with satisfying crunch, look no further than this legendary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This beloved dish features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream cheese sauce, crowned with sharp cheddar and finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing a cozy family dinner, or bringing a dish to a church social, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked soul.
Every forkful brings you a delightful contrast of textures, the melt-in-your-mouth chicken and cream sauce paired with that irresistible crackling topping. The aroma alone will have everyone gravitating toward the kitchen! In this article, you’ll discover why this recipe has earned its iconic status, learn foolproof preparation techniques, and explore creative variations to make it your own.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand, making this an accessible weeknight winner.
- Minimal Prep Time: With just five easy steps and no complicated techniques, even novice cooks can achieve impressive results.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy combination appeals to picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike—everyone asks for seconds!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it hours (or even a day) in advance, then simply pop it in the oven when needed.
- Budget-Conscious: This recipe creates a generous 9×13 inch casserole that feeds 6-8 people without breaking the bank.
This is comfort food at its finest, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus an additional 15 minutes if cooking raw chicken beforehand)
Please note that times may vary based on your oven and whether you’re using pre-cooked or freshly prepared chicken. The casserole is ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble gently.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season with a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish for rustic charm, or use a wide spatula to portion out neat squares onto individual plates garnished with fresh parsley.
- Perfect Pairings: Complement this rich casserole with lighter sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, roasted asparagus, or butter-glazed carrots.
- Portion Guidance: A 9×13 inch casserole yields 6-8 generous servings—perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests.
- Beverage Match: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, sweet tea, or sparkling water with lemon to balance the creamy richness.
This casserole shines as a complete meal with minimal accompaniments!
Additional Tips
- Enhance the Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of onion powder, a pinch of paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture for extra depth.
- Customize Your Crunch: Try mixing crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or buttery crackers instead of Ritz for different topping textures and flavors.
- Boost Nutrition: Sneak in vegetables by layering steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach beneath the cream sauce without sacrificing taste.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Crumble 6-8 slices of crispy bacon and mix half into the cream sauce and sprinkle the rest over the cheese layer before adding the cracker topping for smoky richness.
- Spicy Southwest Twist: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add a 4 oz can of diced green chiles to the cream mixture, and substitute crushed tortilla chips for the Ritz crackers.
- Herb Garden Delight: Use herb-flavored cream cheese, add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (parsley, dill, and chives), and mix grated Parmesan with the Ritz topping for an elevated, sophisticated flavor profile.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the entire dish covered in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed. For best results, consider adding the cracker topping fresh after thawing.
Special Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
- Large mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk or electric mixer for blending the cream mixture
- Rolling pin or food processor for crushing crackers
- Spatula or wooden spoon for spreading and mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds extra flavor. Simply remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and proceed with the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substituting gluten-free crackers or crushed potato chips for the Ritz crackers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking and add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What cheese alternatives work well?
Try Monterey Jack for mildness, Gruyère for sophistication, or a Mexican blend for southwestern flair. You can also use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
While not traditional, you can adapt it! Layer ingredients in a slow cooker, cook on low for 3-4 hours, then broil briefly in an oven-safe dish to crisp the topping before serving.
Conclusion
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With its creamy, comforting interior and that signature buttery crunch, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. Whether you’re feeding weeknight dinner crowds, entertaining guests, or simply craving nostalgic comfort food, this dish delivers on every level. The best part? It’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to devour. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a family favorite that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and sliced almonds.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest briefly before serving.
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