Name: Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Ultimate Comfort!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
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 Ritz crackers, crushed; 1/2 cup butter, melted

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – a name that instantly evokes images of refined dining and unparalleled comfort, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share this iconic recipe with you today. Have you ever wondered about the magic behind those dishes that become legendary, passing from upscale restaurant menus to beloved family tables? This isn’t just any chicken casserole; it’s a culinary legacy, originating from the famed Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus itself, where it quickly became a highly requested item. Its reputation spread like wildfire, treasured for its incredible depth of flavor and creamy, indulgent texture.

Why This Dish Holds a Special Place

What makes the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole so universally adored? I believe it’s the perfect harmony of tender chicken, a rich, velvety sauce, and a satisfyingly crisp topping that elevates it far beyond your average weeknight meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces, offering a gourmet experience with the ease of a comforting casserole. Perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating your family to something truly special, I assure you this recipe will become a treasured addition to your culinary repertoire. Get ready to discover why this dish has captured hearts for decades!

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 large chicken breasts, or a generous amount from a rotisserie chicken)

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (I love using a low-sodium version here to control the saltiness)
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (This adds a lovely depth of flavor, but you can use another can of cream of chicken if you prefer)

1 (16-ounce) container sour cream (Full-fat sour cream truly makes this dish incredibly rich and creamy, but light sour cream can be used for a lighter option)
1/2 cup finely diced celery (Make sure to chop it very small so it blends seamlessly into the casserole, offering just a hint of crunch)

1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced (These are a signature ingredient, providing a wonderful, unexpected crunch that stands up to baking)
1 teaspoon onion powder (For that essential savory allium flavor without the texture of fresh onion)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (A little goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor profile)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground is always best
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend, freshly grated cheese melts much better and tastes superior to pre-shredded)
2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 50-60 crackers), finely crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (This is crucial for making our cracker topping perfectly golden and delicious)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Prepping Our Ingredients for Perfection

Preparing the Chicken: The Heart of Our Casserole

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, I recommend boiling them gently until cooked through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on their size. Alternatively, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. I find that a fork works wonders for shredding, or you can cube it neatly. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat but still substantial enough to provide a satisfying bite in every spoonful. If you’re using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this step is even easier – simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat. We’re looking for roughly 3 cups of cooked chicken for this recipe, so plan accordingly. Having your chicken prepared and ready is the foundational step that sets us up for success.

Getting Our Topping Ready: The Golden Crown

The signature golden, buttery cracker topping is what truly elevates the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole from good to extraordinary. Let’s get that ready next. Take your two sleeves of Ritz crackers and crush them finely. You can do this by placing them in a large zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Alternatively, a food processor makes quick work of this task, yielding perfectly uniform crumbs. Be careful not to turn them into a fine powder; we want a crumbly texture. Once crushed, transfer them to a medium-sized bowl. Next, melt your 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and stir until every single crumb is thoroughly coated. This butter coating is what gives the topping its incredible flavor and helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven. Set this glorious buttery crumb mixture aside for later. This crunchy topping is truly the crowning glory of our casserole, so don’t skip this important step!

Mise en Place: Gathering Our Aromatic Companions

Now, let’s get all our other supporting ingredients prepped and ready to go. This “mise en place” (everything in its place) approach makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable. Finely dice your celery. We’re looking for small, consistent pieces that will add a subtle crunch without overpowering the creamy texture. Drain your can of water chestnuts thoroughly and then slice them. These little gems provide that distinctive, refreshing crispness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the casserole. Shred your sharp cheddar cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly and tastes richer, thanks to the absence of anti-caking agents. Measure out your onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Having everything measured and prepped ahead of time ensures that our assembly phase flows seamlessly.

Crafting the Creamy Base: The Soul of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Combine the Soups and Sour Cream: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Add the entire 16-ounce container of sour cream. These three ingredients form the rich, velvety heart of our casserole. Stir them together until they are completely smooth and well combined. I like to use a sturdy whisk for this to ensure there are no lumps, creating a truly luxurious base.
Introduce the Aromatics and Seasoning: Now, add your finely diced celery and the drained, sliced water chestnuts to the creamy mixture. Stir gently to distribute them evenly. Next, sprinkle in your onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it another good stir, ensuring all the seasonings are thoroughly incorporated. Take a moment to appreciate the subtle, savory aroma beginning to develop in your bowl. Proper seasoning at this stage is vital for a flavor-packed casserole.

Fold in the Chicken: Finally, add your prepared shredded or diced chicken to the bowl. Gently fold the chicken into the creamy mixture until it’s evenly coated. You want to make sure every piece of chicken is enveloped in that delicious, savory sauce. Avoid overmixing, as this can break down the chicken too much. We want distinct pieces of chicken throughout the casserole. The mixture should now look substantial, creamy, and inviting, ready for its next transformation.

Assembling Our Masterpiece: Layers of Flavor and Comfort

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven preheats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This step is important to prevent the casserole from sticking and makes for easier serving later. A glass or ceramic dish works beautifully for this recipe, allowing for even heat distribution.
The First Layer – A Bed of Creamy Goodness: Spread about half of your creamy chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer from edge to edge. This will be the foundation for our cheesy layer, creating a rich base for every bite.

The Cheesy Heart: Sprinkle one cup of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the first layer of the chicken mixture. This cheese layer will melt down into a gooey, savory core, binding the casserole together and adding that irresistible cheesy pull that everyone loves. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
The Second Layer – More Creamy Comfort: Carefully spoon the remaining half of the chicken mixture over the cheese layer. Use your spatula to gently spread it out, ensuring you don’t disturb the cheese too much. We want nice, distinct layers here. This ensures that every serving gets a generous amount of creamy chicken and cheese.
The Final Cheesy Blanket: Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the second chicken layer. This top layer of cheese will melt into a beautiful, golden-brown crust, complementing our cracker topping and sealing in all the delicious flavors.

The Golden Topping: Finally, evenly scatter your buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the entire surface of the casserole, covering the cheese completely. Gently press down on the crumbs just slightly to help them adhere to the cheese and ensure they don’t blow around in the oven. This creates that iconic, crispy, buttery topping that is a hallmark of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This final layer is what truly makes this casserole unforgettable!

Baking Our Casserole to Golden Perfection

Into the Oven We Go: Carefully place your assembled casserole into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. I usually place it on the middle rack to ensure even cooking and browning of the topping. If you’re worried about spills, you can place a baking sheet on the rack below, though this casserole generally doesn’t bubble over excessively.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cracker topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible – a clear sign of deliciousness to come! If you notice the topping browning too quickly before the casserole is thoroughly heated through, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The perfect bake yields a hot, creamy interior and a crispy, savory crust.

The All-Important Rest: Once you take the casserole out of the oven, do not be tempted to serve it immediately! This is a crucial step that many people overlook. Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it much easier to scoop out clean portions without it falling apart. It also allows the flavors to meld together even further, intensifying the deliciousness. While it rests, the internal temperature will stabilize, ensuring every bite is perfectly warm but not scalding.

Serving and Enjoying Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the top of the casserole with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. The vibrant green color adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, golden hues of the casserole. Use a large serving spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates.
What to Serve With It: This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli are also fantastic choices that add freshness and color to the meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

Leftovers: This casserole is almost as good, if not better, the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.

Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

For a Deeper Flavor: Consider using homemade chicken stock instead of water when cooking your chicken, or adding a dash of dry sherry to the soup mixture for an extra layer of sophisticated flavor.

Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is traditional and highly recommended, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses. A mix of Gruyere and white cheddar can be absolutely divine, offering a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Finely chopped carrots, frozen peas (added directly to the mix without thawing), or even a handful of spinach can be gently folded into the creamy chicken mixture. Just ensure they are finely diced so they don’t alter the texture too much.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the creamy base can give this classic dish a subtle kick.

Make Ahead Option: You can assemble this casserole up to one day in advance. Prepare it completely, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Add the cracker topping just before baking to maintain its crispness.
Crispy Topping Secret: Ensure your melted butter is evenly distributed among the crushed crackers. This is the ultimate secret to a truly golden, crispy, and flavorful topping that everyone will rave about.
Don’t Rush the Rest: Seriously, that 10-15 minute resting period is non-negotiable for the best possible texture and presentation. It gives everything a chance to settle and makes for cleaner, more enjoyable servings. Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to perfect casserole texture.

Conclusion:

Oh, my friends, if there’s one recipe I genuinely hope you’ll add to your culinary repertoire, it’s this one. I’ve shared countless dishes over the years, but few capture the essence of pure comfort, effortless elegance, and undeniable deliciousness quite like the incredible Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. From its tender, succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce to the perfectly golden, often crunchy topping, every single bite is a symphony of flavors and textures designed to delight. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something truly special. This casserole has a magical way of making everyone feel cherished and well-fed, whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

What truly makes this recipe a must-try, in my humble opinion, is its uncanny ability to taste incredibly gourmet without demanding hours of complicated effort in the kitchen. It’s that perfect balance of sophisticated flavor profile and straightforward execution that makes it a true culinary gem. You get all the luxurious satisfaction of a five-star dish, but with the familiar ease of home cooking. It’s the kind of meal that consistently earns rave reviews and prompts requests for the recipe, making you feel like a culinary wizard even if you just followed a few simple steps. The way the cheeses melt into the velvety sauce, creating that irresistible pull, paired with the perfectly seasoned chicken, is just divine. Trust me, once you experience the sheer joy this casserole brings to your table, you’ll understand exactly why it has garnered such a loyal following. It truly is a celebration of classic comfort food, elevated to an art form.

Elevate Your Meal: Perfect Pairings and Creative Twists

Now, while this glorious casserole certainly stands strong on its own, I love exploring ways to complete the meal or give it a fresh spin. For serving suggestions, think about balance. To complement the richness of the casserole, a crisp, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette is absolutely ideal. The acidity cuts through the creaminess beautifully, refreshing the palate between bites. Imagine a mix of spring greens, maybe some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple lemon-herb dressing – perfection! Another fantastic companion is a side of steamed or roasted vegetables. Asparagus spears, tender green beans, or broccoli florets tossed simply with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper add a welcome pop of color and essential nutrients without overpowering the main event. And for those who love to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce, a basket of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots is practically mandatory. You’ll thank me later for that suggestion! For a heartier option, a simple rice pilaf or roasted potatoes can also make a wonderful addition, absorbing all that delicious flavor.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to infuse your own personality and preferences. Want to add more vegetables directly into the casserole? Sautéed mushrooms, a handful of frozen peas, or finely diced bell peppers would blend in seamlessly, adding extra texture and flavor dimension. If you’re a fan of a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the sauce can give it a delightful subtle kick. For a different cheesy profile, consider swapping out some of the cheddar for Gruyere, Fontina, or even a Monterey Jack for a milder, meltier experience. And don’t be afraid to play with the topping! While the traditional cracker crumb topping is beloved, a mix of panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, or even crushed potato chips for a salty, unexpected crunch, can be truly inspired. After a big holiday meal, you could even substitute leftover turkey for the chicken, giving it a delicious second life. The possibilities are truly endless, and that’s what makes home cooking so exciting! Don’t be shy about experimenting and making this already fantastic dish uniquely yours.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

I genuinely hope this article has inspired you to roll up your sleeves and give this extraordinary recipe a try. There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing such a beloved and delicious dish to life in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a truly comforting meal, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a dish that delivers on every front. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical, offering warmth, satisfaction, and an undeniable sense of home with every forkful.

Please, don’t keep your culinary adventures a secret! I absolutely adore hearing from you. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this delightful casserole, I encourage you to share your experience. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Did your family rave about it? Snap a photo, tell us about your variations, or simply drop a comment below to let us know how it turned out. Your feedback and personal touches not only brighten my day but also inspire other home cooks in our community to embark on their own delicious journeys. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create, share, and savor. So go forth, cook with joy, and prepare to fall in love with this classic! I promise, this is one recipe that will become a cherished favorite in your household for years to come.