I really enjoy creating comforting casseroles that bring my family together at dinnertime. There’s something special about pulling a golden, bubbling dish from the oven and watching everyone gather around the table. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has become one of my go-to recipes when I need something that feels indulgent but comes together quickly on a busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
I always reach for quality ingredients when making this casserole because they truly make a difference in the final result. My go-to is using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, which saves time and adds wonderful seasoned flavor to every bite. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you start – I let mine sit out for about an hour, which makes mixing so much easier. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates that signature rich texture everyone loves.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat gives the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp cheddar for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (I usually use 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
- 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers (approximately 2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (I always use real butter, never margarine)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend gathering all your ingredients before you start, which makes the whole process smooth and stress-free. In my experience, this approach prevents any last-minute scrambling and ensures you don’t forget anything important.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. While the oven heats, make sure your cream cheese is very soft – if it’s still cold, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. This takes about 2 minutes of mixing. If you see any cream cheese lumps, keep mixing until they disappear.
Step 3: Fold in your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions until everything is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. The mixture should look uniform and well combined.
Step 4: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it reaches all corners. The surface should be relatively flat for even cooking.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until every crumb is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand. Sprinkle this generously over the casserole in an even layer.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and you see gentle bubbling around the edges. The casserole is done when the topping is crispy and the filling is heated through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly, the filling to set, and makes serving much easier without everything sliding around.
Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This rich, creamy casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides that balance the indulgent flavors and add nutritional variety to your plate.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly, adding brightness and crunch to each bite while providing essential vitamins and fiber.
Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed or roasted green beans seasoned with a touch of lemon bring a fresh, vegetal contrast that complements the savory casserole without competing with its flavors. For another delicious green vegetable option, try serving it alongside Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any extra creamy sauce on your plate, and the garlic notes echo the subtle garlic flavor in the casserole itself. Check out our Garlic Bread Rolls for a homemade option.
Roasted Broccoli: Oven-roasted broccoli with a slight char adds a nutty, slightly bitter element that balances the creamy richness while boosting the nutritional profile of your meal. If you love chicken and broccoli combinations, you might also enjoy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake.
Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots provide a lovely color contrast and their natural sweetness creates an interesting flavor dynamic against the savory, cheesy casserole. Our Honey Glazed Corn Casserole brings similar sweet-savory balance to the table.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find that this casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
For reheating, I recommend covering individual portions with a damp paper towel and microwaving for 2 to 3 minutes, or reheating larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. If you want to freeze this casserole, prepare it completely but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
This casserole is incredibly versatile and works beautifully for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or even as a make-ahead meal when you know you’ll have a busy week. Pro tip: assemble it in the morning and refrigerate, then just pop it in the oven when you get home. For more make-ahead chicken casserole ideas, try Chicken and Spinach Casserole or Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my favorite, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Crushed buttery crackers like Club crackers work well, or try panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder for a different texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped broccoli make excellent additions. Just fold them into the creamy mixture before baking and adjust cooking time if needed.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Make sure your cream cheese is very soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until completely smooth with no lumps, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions until everything is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it reaches all corners.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this generously over the casserole in an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and you see gentle bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the filling to set.
