Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $12.50 total, $2.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (regular 10.5‑oz can, full‑fat)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat, room temperature)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (sharp, shredded)
- 0.5 cup Green Onion (chopped, white and green parts)
- 0.5 cup Slivered Almonds (optional: lightly toasted)
- few dashes Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded, cooled (rotisserie or poached))
- 6 strips Bacon (cooked crisp, chopped)
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers (crushed (about 10 crackers))
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
Instructions
Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped green onion, slivered almonds, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the cheese begins to melt slightly.
Time: PT10M
Add Chicken and Bacon
Fold the shredded cooked chicken and chopped crisp bacon into the creamy base until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Casserole Dish
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13‑inch casserole dish.
Time: PT3M
Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated.
Time: PT5M
Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Garnish
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle extra chopped green onion and a few pieces of crisp bacon on top for color and crunch.
Time: PT2M
Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then cut into squares and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains pork, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of mushroom soup
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese
- Instead of Green Onion: scallions
- Instead of Slivered Almonds: sliced almonds
- Instead of Hot Sauce: red pepper flakes
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: cooked turkey
- Instead of Bacon: prosciutto
- Instead of Ritz Crackers: saltine crackers
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
Equipment Needed
- Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk (optional)
- Spatula (optional)
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the creamy base until smooth; lumps will affect texture.
- Bake until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling; under‑baking leaves a soggy top.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the slivered almonds lightly in a dry pan for extra nutty flavor.
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and a bit of mozzarella for a gooier melt.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is watery after baking.
Make sure the sour cream and cream of chicken are well‑combined and the chicken is fully drained. Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes uncovered.
Topping is not crisp.
Mix the cracker crumbs with enough butter to coat them lightly; bake uncovered for the full 25 minutes or broil for 1‑2 minutes at the end.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Stir the cheese into the warm cream mixture before adding chicken, or let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes after mixing to allow the cheese to soften.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
Room temperature: Not recommended; perishable ingredients require refrigeration.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the topping stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze the uncooked casserole (without the cracker topping) for later use; add fresh topping before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in American upscale cuisine?
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole was created for the luxury department‑store restaurant at Neiman Marcus, embodying the opulent comfort food trend of the 1970s‑80s where classic casseroles were elevated with premium ingredients like bacon, almonds, and a buttery cracker crust.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken casserole in American cuisine?
Across the United States, chicken casseroles range from Southern chicken and dumplings to New England chicken pot pie. The Neiman Marcus version stands out by using a rich cream‑based sauce, cheddar, and a crunchy Ritz topping, unlike the breadcrumb or biscuit toppings found elsewhere.
How is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole traditionally served in upscale American restaurants?
It is typically plated in generous squares, garnished with fresh green onion and crisp bacon, and served alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The dish is presented hot from the oven, allowing the creamy interior to stay luscious while the topping stays crisp.
What occasions or celebrations is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
Because of its rich flavor and elegant presentation, it is popular for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving leftovers, and special dinner parties where a comforting yet sophisticated main course is desired.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sharp cheddar, slivered almonds, and Ritz crackers. Acceptable substitutes include cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced almonds, and any plain buttery cracker.
What other American side dishes pair well with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Light, crisp sides such as a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic‑sautéed green beans balance the richness of the casserole nicely.
What makes Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole special or unique in American casserole cuisine?
Its combination of a velvety cheese‑sour‑cream sauce, toasted almonds for texture, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust creates a layered mouthfeel that is richer than typical chicken casseroles, reflecting the upscale branding of Neiman Marcus.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the sauce, which can make it watery, under‑baking the topping so it stays soggy, and adding hot chicken to the sauce before it cools, which can cause the cheese to seize.
Why does this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole recipe use Ritz crackers for the topping instead of traditional breadcrumbs?
Ritz crackers provide a buttery, slightly sweet crunch that complements the savory cheese sauce, whereas plain breadcrumbs would lack the richness and would not create the same golden, caramelized crust.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on crowd‑sourced home cooking videos, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for a wide range of dishes from quick weeknight meals to classic comfort foods, all aimed at home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes user‑generated tips, clear visual cues, and ingredient flexibility, often highlighting budget‑friendly alternatives, whereas many other channels may focus on chef‑driven techniques or high‑end plating.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
