Save It A rich and creamy baked chicken casserole inspired by the legendary Neiman Marcus recipe, featuring tender chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a buttery crispy topping.
I still remember the first time I tasted a Neiman Marcus chicken casserole—the blend of cheeses and the golden cracker crust made it an instant favorite in my family.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 3 cups, shredded or cubed
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Green onions: ½ cup, finely sliced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Cream of chicken soup (condensed): 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Buttery round crackers (e.g. Ritz): 1½ cups, crushed
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, melted
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Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare creamy base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients:
- Add chicken, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Spread mixture:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make crispy topping:
- Toss the crushed crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl until evenly coated.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save It Every holiday when this casserole comes out of the oven, my kids rush to snag the corners with extra crunchy topping—it's become a tradition in our home.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This chicken casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. Simply bake fresh, or reheat leftovers covered in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc also complement the creamy flavors nicely.
Allergen and Nutrition Info
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, butter), wheat/gluten (crackers, condensed soup), and possibly soy. Each serving has about 480 calories, 33 g fat, 18 g carbs, and 27 g protein.
Save It This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser for every season. The golden topping and creamy filling make it feel like a celebration—with minimal fuss.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Shredded or cubed cooked chicken breast works well, providing tender texture and a mild flavor that blends smoothly with the creamy mixture.
- → Can I substitute the crackers in the topping?
Yes, buttery round crackers like Ritz are ideal for crispiness, but you can use crushed breadcrumbs or nuts for a different texture.
- → How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly and monitor baking times closely. Covering loosely with foil partway through baking can help if it browns too quickly.
- → What sides complement this chicken dish?
Fresh green salads or steamed vegetables provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole.
- → Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?
It contains dairy and gluten, so it may not suit those with allergies or intolerances. Consider gluten-free crackers and dairy alternatives if needed.
