If you’ve ever daydreamed about turning a store-bought chicken into something that tastes like it came from a luxury kitchen (without the luxury price tag), this Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is about to make your comfort food dreams come true. It’s creamy, cheesy, crunchy on top, and just bold enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, it’s the casserole equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater—only way more delicious.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting your book club, or just need something warm and satisfying after a hectic Tuesday, this dish checks every box. Easy to prep, minimal cleanup, and oh-so-flavorful, it might just become your signature dish.
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Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Because it’s not just a casserole —it’s an experience. Imagine a comforting base of shredded chicken and bacon hugged by a creamy, tangy mix of sour cream and cheddar, with a little kick from hot sauce. Topped with buttery crackers that bake up golden and crunchy, this is one of those dishes that tastes like you spent hours, but really takes just minutes to assemble.
Bonus? It’s got that “oooh, what is that?” secret ingredient vibe, thanks to the slivered almonds and green onions that add a little elegance to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6 (but don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than that)
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1½ teaspoons hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (think Ritz)
- ½ cup butter, melted
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Nothing fancy—just your trusty casserole pan will do.
Step 2: Mix the Good Stuff
In a large bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar. Give it a good mix so all that creamy-cheesy magic coats every piece of chicken.
Step 3: Spread & Top
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Cracker Crunch Time
Crush the sleeve of buttery crackers (no need for a rolling pin—your hands work just fine) and mix them with the melted butter. Sprinkle this golden goodness over the casserole like a delicious crunchy blanket.
Step 5: Bake It
Pop it in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Rotisserie chicken saves time—and honestly, it adds extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Not a fan of almonds? Skip ’em or swap for chopped pecans if you want a little twist.
- Spice level: The hot sauce doesn’t make it spicy—it just wakes everything up. Feel free to add more if you want a bit of a kick!
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this Neiman Marcus chicken casserole , it was for a cozy dinner with my sisters. They walked in, smelled it baking, and immediately asked what fancy dish I was making. When I told them it was a “famous casserole inspired by Neiman Marcus,” they were intrigued—and after one bite, totally hooked. Now it’s a regular on our girls’ night menu.
FAQs: Let’s Talk Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great stand-in and adds a little tang. It also lightens things up a bit.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave—though the oven keeps the topping crispier.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble it, skip the cracker topping (add that later), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight, top with crackers, and bake.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, and it’s amazing—especially around the holidays when you’ve got more turkey than fridge space.
Why is my chicken casserole dry?
This usually happens if the chicken was overcooked before going into the casserole or if it’s baked too long. Using rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast helps retain moisture. Also, don’t skimp on the creamy ingredients—they do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Can you prepare a chicken casserole the night before?
Absolutely, and it’s a great time-saver! Just assemble everything (except the cracker topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add the crackers and melted butter just before baking the next day for that perfect crunchy topping.
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, especially one as rich and crowd-pleasing as this Neiman Marcus chicken casserole. It’s creamy, crunchy, cheesy goodness in every bite—with just enough sass from the hot sauce to keep things interesting.
So go ahead, bookmark this one. Print it out. Make it for Sunday dinner or a potluck. Whatever the occasion, this casserole’s got you covered—and your guests asking for the recipe.
Happy cooking,
💛 Aneta
More Comforting Chicken Favorites to Try Next
If this Neiman Marcus chicken casserole has you craving even more warm, hearty meals that bring joy to the table, I’ve got you covered! Here are some other reader-favorite recipes that pair perfectly with cozy nights, busy weeknights, or weekend potlucks:
- Looking for another dreamy, creamy casserole? Try Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole—it’s like a holiday hug in a baking dish.
- For a pasta-meets-casserole combo that hits all the right notes, don’t miss the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight.
- Craving that cheesy, savory comfort with a twist? The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole brings similar vibes with just the right crunch.
- Or, if you’re in the mood for something skillet-seared and flavor-packed, try the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—it’s quick, satisfying, and totally crowd-pleasing.
Each of these dishes is easy to make and packed with flavor, so go ahead—add a few to your meal plan this week and keep the chicken magic going
Print
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners. Packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s indulgent, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup sliced green onions
½ cup slivered almonds
1 can cream of chicken soup
1½ teaspoons hot sauce (like Tabasco)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 sleeve buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz), crushed
½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, bacon, green onions, slivered almonds, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar. Mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
You can prep this dish the night before—just wait to add the cracker topping until right before baking.
For a nut-free version, skip the almonds or substitute with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Leftovers reheat well and make great lunches!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg