Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as tabasco; 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers; 1/2 cup butter, melted

Cook Time: 40 minutes

This creamy, savory chicken casserole is a perfect dish for a family dinner or a gathering. With its rich flavors of melted Cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds, its bound to be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup slivered almonds
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoons hot sauce (Tabasco or your choice, adjust to taste)
1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well-coated with the butter.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	724	-
Total Fat	55g	71%
Saturated Fat	26g	128%
Cholesterol	184mg	61%
Sodium	1105mg	48%
Total Carbohydrate	17g	6%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	3g	-
Protein	40g	80%
Vitamin C	2mg	2%
Calcium	376mg	29%
Iron	3mg	15%
Potassium	470mg	10%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

History and Origin of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole traces its roots to the iconic Neiman Marcus department store, which has long been associated not only with luxury fashion but also with its gourmet caf offerings. This casserole was first popularized in the mid-20th century, emerging as a comforting, upscale version of the classic American chicken casserole. Originally served to showcase the store's caf culinary innovation, it quickly gained a following among shoppers and employees alike. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, crunchy bacon, and buttery cracker topping made it a signature dish that bridged home-style cooking with a touch of gourmet flair.

Regional Variations and Features

While the original recipe hails from Texas, the dish has inspired regional adaptations across the United States. In the South, cooks often enhance it with extra cheese and hot sauce for a spicier, richer version. In the Midwest, it is common to add vegetables like peas or carrots for heartier nutrition, whereas coastal versions sometimes incorporate seafood elements, such as crab or shrimp, to give a luxurious twist. Despite these variations, the core elementschicken, bacon, creamy base, cheddar, almonds, and buttery cracker toppingremain consistent, preserving its signature flavor.

Differences from Similar Casseroles

Unlike standard chicken casseroles that often rely solely on soup and pasta, the Neiman Marcus version stands out due to its layered textures and gourmet touches. The combination of slivered almonds and crumbled buttery crackers as a topping adds a nutty, crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken mixture, setting it apart from simpler baked chicken dishes. Additionally, the subtle use of hot sauce gives it a delicate kick, differentiating it from bland, traditional casseroles. The inclusion of both sour cream and cream of chicken soup creates a uniquely rich, velvety base that balances savory and slightly tangy flavors.

Typical Serving Occasions

This casserole is traditionally served at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and potlucks, where its comforting and visually appealing presentation is appreciated. It also makes for a convenient weeknight meal due to its one-dish preparation. Many families prepare it in advance, storing it in the refrigerator and adding the topping just before baking, making it practical for busy schedules. Some restaurants with American comfort food menus occasionally feature their own interpretations of this dish, inspired by the Neiman Marcus classic.

Interesting Facts

The original Neiman Marcus caf recipe was reportedly shared in the 1970s as part of a fundraising cookbook, helping to popularize it beyond Texas.
Despite the name, this casserole was not created for the stores retail patrons but rather developed in-house as a caf specialty.
Over time, it has become a base recipe for creative home cooks, who often add vegetables, different cheeses, or even substitute nuts for alternative textures.
It has inspired modern variations like gluten-free or low-fat versions, demonstrating its adaptability while maintaining its core flavor profile.
The dish exemplifies a uniquely Texan approach to comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and slightly indulgent, yet approachable for everyday cooking.

FAQ about Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. After assembling, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. To do so, assemble the casserole as directed, but skip the baking step. Instead, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

If your casserole turns out dry, you can add a little milk or chicken broth to the mixture before baking. Alternatively, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for extra moisture. Some people also recommend using a different brand of cream of chicken soup or adding more cheese to improve texture.

This recipe can easily be adjusted to accommodate a larger or smaller group. To halve the recipe, use a smaller baking dish (like an 8x8-inch dish). For larger groups, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger 9x13-inch dish. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the size of the casserole.

Yes, you can substitute the chicken for other proteins like turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground beef or sausage. If you're using a different protein, make sure it is cooked and shredded or crumbled before adding it to the casserole.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for faster reheating.

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by swapping out the buttery crackers for a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free Ritz-style crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the cream of chicken soup, are gluten-free as well.

This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, or try adding a bit of garlic powder or onion powder to the casserole mixture to enhance the flavor.

A soggy topping could be due to too much moisture in the casserole mixture. Ensure that the soup and sour cream are not too runny before mixing. You can also bake the casserole uncovered to help the topping crisp up, or use less butter in the cracker topping to avoid excessive moisture.

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It will add a tangy flavor to the casserole, but the texture will be similar. Greek yogurt is also a healthier alternative, offering a higher protein content.

Comments

Benjamin Edwards

05/28/2025 10:07:18 AM

This recipe is fantastic! It's simple to whip up for a quick weeknight meal and incredibly adaptable. I threw in some frozen peas and spinach, along with around 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream, and added a few extra seasonings to elevate the flavors. It turned out amazingly delicious - my family absolutely loved it, so I'll definitely be making this again. Two thumbs up!

William Johnson

11/15/2023 06:53:49 PM

Review: Initially, I found this dish to be satisfactory. I utilized rotisserie chicken, chopped up. Addressing concerns of dryness from other reviews, I included 1 cup of milk, which prevented it from turning out dry. To combat feedback about blandness, I incorporated 1 can of green chilies, 1 sauteed whole onion in bacon grease (in addition to raw green onions), steamed peas and carrots, cooked egg noodles, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning. The flavor was decent, but it felt like it was missing something. I pondered whether it might improve the following day. Update: The leftovers were on par with the initial serving. I enhanced it with garlic salt and Cholula hot sauce, and it tasted better. Yet, I'm still unsure of the missing element that would elevate it to truly delicious.

Donald Brown

02/19/2023 04:55:18 PM

Great recipe for beginners! I cooked half an onion and fresh baby Bella mushrooms in olive oil and butter, then added frozen peas, half & half, and fresh spinach. Seasoned to taste! I also air-fried chicken thighs with bacon strips for 20 minutes at 375°F. After cooling and finely chopping them, the dish turned out absolutely incredible!

Emma Scott

07/10/2023 05:34:59 AM

Rewritten review: As many have pointed out, this recipe serves as a fantastic base that you can easily adjust to suit your own tastes. Drawing from previous feedback and my personal preferences, I made a few modifications: I left out the almonds and instead sautéed diced shallots in some of the reserved bacon fat; incorporated 1/2 cup of heavy cream and a generous splash of milk; threw in a bag of mixed vegetables along with some fresh green beans from my garden; seasoned it with dried mustard, a spice blend, and garlic powder; and topped it off with a crushed bag of garlic and cheese croutons before baking. I extended the baking time to 50 minutes to accommodate the additional ingredients. The result was so delicious that my husband even asked for seconds! This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Laura Thompson

06/08/2024 03:12:11 AM

I had to use pecans and garlic croutons instead of almonds and bread crumbs as I didn't have them on hand. The result was delicious!

Katherine Mitchell

01/11/2023 07:28:41 PM

Revised review: This recipe was simple to make and quite delicious. I took inspiration from other reviewers and included ingredients like heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, Cholula hot sauce, and used rotisserie chicken. I also found a helpful tip about the Ritz crackers portion size on another recipe site. Preparing everything, except the topping, the day before and chilling it in the fridge was convenient. The final dish turned out great after baking it the next morning for an hour. I brought it to a church potluck, and it was a hit - all gone by the end of the event.

Sharon Sanchez

09/03/2024 02:43:41 AM

I absolutely adored the diverse blend of flavors in this dish, and the people I cooked it for felt the same way. I decided to enhance it by incorporating 12 oz of fresh baby spinach and 12 oz of sautéed Bella mushrooms to give it an extra umami kick. It was received very well!

Sandra King

10/28/2023 12:48:38 PM

Prepare in advance. I started by baking chicken thighs and frying bacon. Then I mixed in chopped red pepper, sliced mushrooms, and green onions. Grated some cheese. Added about 1/2 cup of cream to the chicken soup along with hot sauce. The result was fantastic. I couldn't resist sneaking a few bites before serving.

John Gonzalez

05/09/2024 01:47:54 PM

I followed the recipe instructions and assembled the dish before reading the reviews. After noticing some complaints about the bland taste and dry texture, I decided to make some modifications. I scraped off the topping and mixed in a generous amount of milk, along with frozen peas and carrots. To enhance the flavor, I added a tablespoon of minced garlic, as well as a dash of oregano, thyme, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. After putting the topping back on, I cooked it as directed. The end result was absolutely delicious, especially with the addition of bacon. In the future, I plan to include rice or noodles for an even heartier meal.

Carol Clark

09/06/2023 02:49:33 PM

This dish was delicious and paired perfectly with Lemon Orzo. I followed the recipe as instructed, but found it a bit too watery. Next time, I would make some adjustments by layering the ingredients differently. The flavors of the bacon and almonds got lost, so I would reduce the amount of shredded cheese and butter. For future preparations, I plan to mix the chicken and onion with the soup, sour cream, and seasonings, then layer bacon on top. I will use half the amount of shredded cheddar, followed by the almonds, and top it all off with a mixture of melted butter and Ritz cracker crumbs.

Joshua Lopez

07/28/2023 12:49:39 PM

Delicious! I added my own twist by incorporating ingredients that needed to be used up in my fridge. I included celery and spinach, and substituted yellow onion for green onion. I sautéed them along with the celery in bacon grease before mixing them into my casserole.

Amanda Perez

02/21/2025 12:54:02 AM

Wonderful taste

Joshua Evans

08/19/2022 02:39:54 AM

Prepping the ingredients took me nearly an hour. I pulled and chopped chicken, grated cheese by hand, and cooked and crumbled bacon.

Margaret Torres

07/25/2024 05:55:24 PM

I increased the temperature of my oven to speed up the baking process, but everything ended up burnt. It did not turn out well.

George King

03/30/2023 04:35:55 AM

I will definitely be preparing this dish again. It was absolutely delicious! I even made an extra portion and stored it in the freezer for those days when I don't feel like cooking.

Margaret Wright

01/11/2025 07:50:29 PM

Here is the rewritten review for you: I used two 12-ounce cans of drained chicken, with unsalted chicken soup and lite sour cream. I added three slices of bacon but skipped the melted butter to make this dish lower in fat and calories. With these modifications, this recipe turned out great. I baked it for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, and it was delicious.

Joshua Robinson

06/26/2024 01:30:10 PM

My family absolutely adored this recipe. I followed it exactly as written, and I won't make any changes next time.

Diane Moore

07/04/2023 05:18:27 PM

We absolutely enjoyed this recipe! I believe it would be even better served with a side of carbs, despite its rich and heavy nature - perhaps some rice, noodles, or potatoes! To add a twist, we incorporated smokehouse almonds since that was the only option available, and my husband particularly enjoyed the added smokiness.

Ronald Taylor

07/23/2024 04:48:51 PM

The dish was incredibly tasty! I stuck to the recipe but decided to switch out the hot sauce for a poblano pepper for some extra color and flavor. It came out fantastic, and I will definitely be cooking it again! 🍽️✨

Mary Thomas

02/16/2024 12:53:36 AM

I had some ham, spinach, and corn leftover, so I decided to throw them all into the mix. I sprinkled on a mix of parmesan, provolone, and cheddar cheese, along with some roasted mild green chilis and extra seasonings. The result? A dish that was a hit with my husband and grandson.

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