Amazing 45-Minute Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Oh my gosh, you’re going to love this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly so easy to throw together. I first discovered it at a friend’s potluck years ago and immediately begged for the recipe. The creamy chicken filling with that buttery Ritz cracker topping? Absolute perfection. What I love most is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special – perfect for Sunday dinners or when you need to impress unexpected guests. And the best part? It comes together in about 45 minutes from start to finish. Just wait until you see how the cheese melts into the golden cracker crust while it bakes!

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Trust me, this isn’t just another chicken casserole—it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

• Creamy dreamy texture: That mix of sour cream, mayo, and cream of chicken soup creates the most luscious, velvety base you’ll ever taste.
• Pantry-friendly ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed—just basics like Ritz crackers and canned soup you probably already have.
• Golden, buttery crunch: The cracker topping gets perfectly crisp while the cheese melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
• Total crowd-pleaser: Picky kids, hungry spouses, dinner party guests—this dish wins over everyone at the table.

Seriously, it’s comfort food magic in one baking dish!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our cast of characters! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are—you might already have most in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded—I always grab a rotisserie chicken to save time!)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but light works too)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom makes a tasty swap if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (this is the secret for that rich, tangy depth)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers, crushed—I put ’em in a bag and roll with a wine bottle!)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted—salted gives the best flavor balance with the crackers)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my go-to, but any melty cheese works)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, but they add the perfect crunch)

See? Nothing fussy—just good, honest ingredients that come together like magic in the oven!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this casserole! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen:

• 1 large mixing bowl (for that creamy chicken mixture)
• 1 medium bowl (to toss the cracker topping)
• 9×13 inch baking dish (my trusty Pyrex works perfectly)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for mixing—no need to dirty the stand mixer!)
• Measuring cups (though I’ll admit I sometimes eyeball the mayo…)

That’s it! Just basic tools for a dish that tastes anything but basic.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps and you’ll have bubbly, golden perfection in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture

First things first—preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your large mixing bowl and dump in all that shredded chicken (pro tip: I use my hands to break up any big chunks!). Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and mayonnaise. Now comes the fun part—stir it all together until you’ve got a creamy, dreamy mixture with no streaks left. You want it smooth like a thick dip, but still with plenty of chicken texture. Taste it if you’re feeling brave—it should be rich and tangy already!

Step 2: Assemble the Topping

Time for that iconic crispy top! In your medium bowl, combine those crushed Ritz crackers (I love hearing them crunch!), melted butter, and shredded cheese. Mix it until every cracker crumb is coated in buttery goodness—it should look like wet sand. Now spread your chicken mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the topping over it, making sure to cover every inch—no bald spots allowed! If you’re using almonds, scatter them over the top now for extra crunch.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty in the oven and set your timer for 30 minutes. The magic happens when the edges start bubbling like crazy and the topping turns golden brown—you’ll smell that buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen! If your oven runs hot, check at 25 minutes—we want golden, not burnt. When it’s done, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving (trust me, this keeps it from being lava-hot and helps the flavors meld).

See? I told you it was easy! Now get ready for the compliments to start rolling in.

Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

After making this casserole more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss secrets for absolute perfection:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend! It adds incredible flavor and saves so much time. I always grab an extra to make quick chicken salad with leftovers.
• Go heavy on the topping. That buttery cracker crust is the star! I often use 1.5 sleeves of Ritz for extra crunch.
• Let it rest before serving. Those 5 minutes make all the difference—it sets up perfectly instead of being soupy.
• Double the batch! This casserole freezes beautifully—just assemble and freeze before baking for an emergency dinner later.

Follow these tips and you’ll have everyone convinced you’re a gourmet chef!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Variations

Listen, I love the classic version, but sometimes you gotta mix things up! Here are my favorite ways to put a fun twist on this casserole:

• Crunch swap: Out of Ritz? Try crushed saltines, cornflakes, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with that melted butter.
• Veggie boost: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or chopped broccoli florets—they add color and sneak in some greens!
• Cheese lover’s dream: Swap cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or a mix—sometimes I do half Parmesan for extra savoriness.
• Nut-free option: Skip the almonds and sprinkle crispy fried onions on top instead (you know, the kind from the green can!).

The beauty is—you really can’t mess this up. Make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, you’ve got options with this casserole! My go-to is a crisp green salad with vinaigrette—the tang cuts through the richness perfectly. For busy nights, I’ll just steam some broccoli or green beans. And don’t forget warm, buttery rolls to sop up every last creamy bite! It’s also fantastic with roasted asparagus when you’re feeling fancy.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the great news—this casserole keeps like a dream! Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until warm, then finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up that topping again. Freezing? Assemble (unbaked) and freeze up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before baking as usual. That crispy topping might soften a bit after freezing, but it’s still totally delicious!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time about this recipe—here’s everything you need to know!

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully here—just shred it the same way. The flavors pair perfectly with the creamy sauce and that buttery topping.

How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?
It stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored covered. The topping might soften a bit, but a quick broiler zap brings back that perfect crunch!

Can I make it ahead?
You bet! Assemble the whole casserole (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions first to warm through, then pop under the broiler for a minute—it’s like having it fresh from the oven!

Can I freeze this chicken casserole?
Yes! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. The topping may not get quite as crisp, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be honest—this isn’t diet food, but everything’s fine in moderation, right? These estimates are per serving (based on 6 servings), but remember—actual values will vary depending on your ingredients (like full-fat vs light sour cream). Here’s the scoop:

• Calories: About 450 per serving
• Protein: A solid 18g (thanks to all that chicken!)
• Carbs: Around 20g (mostly from those irresistible crackers)
• Fat: Yeah, it’s rich—32g total (but oh-so-worth it)

My philosophy? Enjoy every creamy bite guilt-free—life’s too short not to!

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