Name: Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well!); 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional but recommended); 1 small onion, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); ½ cup melted butter; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the warm, comforting scent of melting cheddar cheese mingled with the buttery crispness of a golden cracker topping fills your kitchen. As you pull the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole from the oven, steam dances in the cool air, teasing your taste buds even before your first bite. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but a heartwarming hug on a plate—quick to prepare, bursting with creamy, cheesy delight, and perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in just about 50 minutes, this casserole lets you create a hearty dinner without hours of fuss.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: Chances are, you already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike: No complicated steps or fancy techniques—just straightforward, delicious cooking.
Impressive, crowd-pleasing presentation: That crispy cracker topping and bubbly melted cheese make it look like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Highly customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap cheeses, or use leftovers to make it truly your own comfort food classic.

Why This Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe Works

This recipe thrives on the magic of combining creamy, savory flavors with a delightfully crunchy topping that makes every bite sing. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, which creates a rich, velvety base that coats tender shredded chicken and veggies evenly. Using crushed buttery crackers mixed with melted butter ensures a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, cheesy filling underneath. Baking at 350°F lets the casserole heat through gently, so all ingredients meld together while developing that irresistible bubbly finish topped with melted cheddar cheese.

A white rectangular dish filled with a baked casserole showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a creamy, pale yellow macaroni and cheese with visible elbow pasta coated in sauce; the middle layer contains pieces of tender, white cooked chicken with a golden brown crust on some parts, placed scattered across the pasta; the top layer is a crispy, dark golden brown topping consisting of melted cheese and small chunks of browned bacon sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a pop of color. The dish is set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to bring your Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe to life; each plays a crucial role in building that luscious comfort food experience.

Cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut that adds juicy, tender meat.
Cream of chicken soup: This provides creamy richness and brings all components together.
Sour cream: Adds tangy smoothness and depth of flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey deliciousness inside and on top.
Mixed vegetables: Optional but recommended for color, texture, and nutritional boost.
Small onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and aromatics.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Crushed buttery crackers: Ritz crackers work beautifully for a golden, crunchy topping.
Melted butter: Binds the cracker topping together and adds irresistible richness.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Cooked chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken, turkey, or even cooked shredded turkey breast for a twist.
Cream of chicken soup: Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different but equally tasty flavor profile.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a tangy, lighter alternative.
Crackers: If you don’t have buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter provide a fantastic crispy topping.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use warm chicken: Shredding the chicken when warm makes it easier and prevents dryness.
Don’t skip seasoning: Salt and pepper can make or break your casserole’s flavor—taste as you go.
Evenly distribute veggies: Mixing them well ensures every bite has color and texture.
Mix cracker topping thoroughly: Ensure crackers are fully coated with butter for that perfect, crispy finish.
Allow to rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes; this helps it set and makes serving neater.

How to Make Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to gently cook the casserole to perfection. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy serving experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a little butter or cooking spray generously for a beautifully crisp bottom crust.

Step 2: Mix the Savory Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Toss in the finely chopped onion and the optional mixed vegetables. Season everything well with salt and pepper, stirring until all ingredients are fully blended.

💡 Pro Tip: Use your hands or two forks to shred the chicken finely—this helps it blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Layer and Smooth

Pour the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, spreading it out gently but firmly to create an even layer that bakes uniformly.

💡 Pro Tip: Tap the dish on the counter to level the casserole and remove air pockets.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, mixing until every crumb is glistening with richness. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken filling for that signature golden crust.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t press the topping down—keep it loose so it crisps beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cracker mixture. This extra cheesy layer melts into pockets of gooey goodness.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle a few paprika flakes or fresh herbs over the cheese before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, hot filling and a stunning golden-brown top that crackles when you cut into it.

💡 Pro Tip: If the topping browns too quickly, tent the casserole loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before scooping generous portions onto plates. This resting period lets everything set, making serving easier and the flavors more harmonious.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to cut clean portions, then a wide spatula to lift each serving out neatly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Overcrowding the baking dish: Too thick a casserole can cause uneven cooking and soggy topping.
Using cold chicken: Cold, firm chicken doesn’t blend as well, leading to dry, chunky bites.
Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning properly results in a bland casserole.
Pressing down the cracker topping: Compressing the crumbs will make the topping dense and less crispy.
Not letting it rest: Serving right away can cause the casserole to be too runny and messy.
Using too much sour cream: This can make the filling overly tangy and thin.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe, mix things up by trying these fun twists that keep your taste buds excited:

Spicy Jalapeño Kick

Add diced jalapeños and a handful of pepper jack cheese to the filling for a creamy casserole with a fiery surprise.

Broccoli and Mushroom Medley

Swap mixed vegetables for steamed broccoli florets and sautéed mushrooms to add earthy depth and green goodness.

BBQ Chicken Delight

Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce with the chicken instead of soup and sour cream. Top with a mix of cheddar and smoked gouda for smoky richness.

Herb and Garlic Infusion

Add minced garlic and fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to brighten the flavors and elevate the dish.

Cheesy Bacon Crunch

Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon beneath the cracker topping for an irresistible salty crunch on top of the creamy chicken.

How to Serve Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A light drizzle of hot sauce can awaken the flavors for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads, buttery dinner rolls, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for charming single portions, or place on a rustic wooden board alongside crusty bread and a colorful veggie platter to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more deliciously overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again. Add a few extra minutes if frozen.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, including rotisserie, works perfectly and adds great flavor.

Do I have to include vegetables?

Vegetables are optional but recommended for color, nutrition, and extra texture.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make a quick homemade white sauce as a replacement.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it creamy.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Be sure to mix the crackers thoroughly with melted butter and avoid pressing it down too much before baking.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and bake just before serving for a time-saving dinner.

What can I serve with the Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Simple side salads, roasted veggies, or fresh crusty bread all complement this dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, ease, and unbeatable family flavor. Every bite brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings where you want to impress without the stress. The creamy chicken, melty cheese, and buttery cracker topping come together like a dream, creating a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Have you tried this Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊