Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup green onions, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers; 1/2 cup butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe with friends because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken all baked under a perfectly buttery, crunchy topping. I first tried this dish years ago, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something comforting yet special. The blend of familiar flavors feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s so easy to pull together that I always feel confident serving it to guests or just enjoying it as a cozy weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

What really draws me to this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is the delightful balance between creamy, savory layers and that irresistible crunchy topping. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a luscious, rich base that clings lovingly to the shredded chicken, while the sharp cheddar and fresh green onions add brightness and a touch of tang that wakes up the palate. I find the garlic powder and seasoning just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Beyond the incredible taste, what makes this casserole stand out for me is how straightforward it is to prepare. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, the recipe’s simple ingredients and easy steps save me lots of time and fuss. I appreciate how quickly it comes together and then bakes to a bubbly, golden finish that impresses everyone at the table. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime comfort food is calling your name. Honestly, once you try it, this casserole will become your go-to for feeding a crowd with minimal stress and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a white oval dish filled with a creamy casserole that has three layers visible from the top. The bottom layer is a smooth white sauce mixed with small bits that look like cooked vegetables or grains. The middle layer appears to be soft and creamy with hints of melted cheese, giving a slightly bumpy texture. The top layer is golden brown and crispy with thick crunchy chips scattered across, sprinkled with bright green parsley for a fresh look. A silver spoon rests partly inside the dish, scooping out some of the creamy filling, placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully simple but each one plays an essential role in creating that classic, creamy, and crunchy contrast I adore. From the tender chicken to the crispy Ritz cracker topping, every component contributes to the perfect texture and depth of flavor.

Cooked Chicken Breast: Using shredded cooked chicken gives the casserole hearty protein and a tender bite.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a velvety richness to bind everything together.
Sour Cream: Sour cream brightens the mix with a tangy, smooth creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise boosts the luscious texture and helps unify the ingredients.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and melty goodness throughout.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions contribute a mild onion flavor and a pop of fresh color.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder subtly enhances the savory notes without overpowering them.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors just right.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: These form the delightfully crispy topping that contrasts the creamy base perfectly.
Butter: Melted butter helps the cracker topping brown beautifully and adds rich flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick after baking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients without breaking up the chicken too much.

Step 4: Spread this creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula to create an even layer for baking.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly surface and a golden-brown, crisp topping, signaling everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly — this makes it easier to serve and enjoy.

Step 8: Serve warm, optionally garnished with a few extra sliced green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and Timing

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, making it excellent for feeding a family or a small gathering. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes on prep, with a baking time of 25 to 30 minutes, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. The 5 to 10-minute resting time after baking ensures the casserole firms up perfectly for serving.

How to Serve This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a dish with two layers. The bottom layer is white and creamy with small chunks, topped by a thick, golden-orange crumbly layer that looks crunchy. There are a few small green herbs scattered on top for color. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the edge, showing the creamy inside and the crumbly top together. The focus is close-up, showing the texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this casserole, I love pairing it with simple sides that don’t compete but complement the creamy, rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also add lovely color and freshness, making the meal feel balanced and complete.

For garnishing, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or chives immediately brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. If you want to make it extra festive, a few cherry tomatoes on the side or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a fun twist. When I serve this for holiday gatherings or casual parties, I set it out in a warm casserole dish so guests can help themselves while it stays nice and cozy.

As for beverages, I find a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with this dish, highlighting the creamy cheese and buttery topping. If you prefer cocktails, a refreshing gin and tonic works great. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced tea keep things bright and refreshing. This casserole tastes best served warm from the oven but also holds up nicely if you need to keep it warm on a low setting for a little while.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a twist, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for Pepper Jack or a smoked gouda to give the dish a deeper, richer flavor. You can also add a handful of cooked mushrooms or diced bell peppers to introduce extra texture and color.

If you want a gluten-free version, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and the casserole turns into a safe and equally delicious dish. For a lighter option, you might reduce the amount of mayonnaise or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, which adds protein and a nice tang without all the fat.

Cooking-wise, I’ve tried assembling this in smaller portioned ramekins for individual servings, which is perfect for a more elegant presentation or when serving a smaller group. You can also experiment with using crockpot-style slow cooking on low for 2 to 3 hours if you want to prepare it ahead and keep it warm for a longer time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well and keep the casserole fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Before storing, allow the casserole to cool completely to avoid condensation, which can make the topping soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. To freeze, prepare the casserole fully but do not bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or seal in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through to keep the topping crispy, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Microwaving is faster but can soften the crunchy topping, so if you do microwave, consider broiling for a minute or two afterward to restore some crispness. Always cover the casserole loosely while reheating to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred the meat and make sure to remove any skin or bones before mixing it in.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can replace chicken with cooked and drained lentils or shredded jackfruit and skip the mayonnaise if desired. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini also boosts the heartiness.

Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day as directed, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it will be cold going into the oven.

How do I make the cracker topping extra crispy?

Mixing the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter is key to getting that buttery crisp crust. Also, baking uncovered allows the topping to brown nicely. Avoid covering the dish during baking or resting.

Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully and provide different flavor profiles. Just use about the same quantity to maintain the right balance.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe a try because it truly brings comfort food to a whole new delicious level with minimal effort. It’s one of my favorite dishes when I want to impress friends or enjoy a cozy night at home wrapped in cheesy, creamy satisfaction. Once you experience the irresistible combo of creamy chicken filling and buttery, crunchy topping, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection too!