The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole brings luxurious comfort to your dinner table. Inspired by the famous café dish from the iconic department store, this oven-baked beauty combines creamy chicken with the crunch of almonds, the sizzle of bacon, and the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese. Finished with a buttery, golden cracker crust, it’s a nostalgic yet elevated twist on the classic chicken bake.
Perfect for weeknight family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is rich, hearty, and irresistibly crave-worthy. Whether you’re a fan of old-school casseroles or looking for a crowd-pleasing entrée with flair, this recipe checks every box. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, making your evening smoother and tastier!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 cups shredded cooked chicken
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sliced green onions
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1/2 cup slivered almonds
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1½ tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco®), or to taste
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1 sleeve buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz®), crushed
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1/2 cup butter, melted
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, soup, sour cream, Cheddar, green onions, almonds, bacon, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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In a small bowl, stir together crushed crackers and melted butter. Spread the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 724 kcal | Servings: 6
The Comfort Classic: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Casseroles are a cornerstone of American comfort cuisine, and few recipes capture the spirit of cozy, communal dining quite like the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Rich, creamy, and crowned with a buttery cracker topping, this dish has transcended its humble origins to become a cherished staple in households across the United States. But what makes this particular casserole stand out from the rest? To understand that, we need to look beyond the ingredients and into the history, versatility, and enduring popularity of this beloved recipe.
The Origins: From Luxury Retail to Comfort Cuisine
The name “Neiman Marcus” conjures images of high-end fashion, luxury shopping, and gourmet food halls. Based in Dallas, Texas, Neiman Marcus is known not just for its upscale retail offerings, but also for its in-store cafés, which have long provided shoppers with an elegant yet comforting dining experience.
The chicken casserole associated with the Neiman Marcus name likely evolved from a dish served in one of the store’s flagship cafés. While the exact origin of the recipe is unclear, its continued presence in recipe collections and family cookbooks suggests it struck a chord with diners who wanted to recreate that café experience at home. Over time, home cooks began adapting the dish with their own touches adding extra cheese, tossing in vegetables, or experimenting with different toppings.
What remained constant, however, was the soul of the dish: a creamy, hearty chicken base laced with savory elements like bacon, almonds, and cheddar cheese, and finished with a satisfyingly crunchy cracker topping.
Why It Works: The Anatomy of a Comfort Classic
Several key elements make the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole an enduring favorite:
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Texture Contrast: The juxtaposition of creamy filling and crispy topping creates a multisensory experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.
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Flavor Depth: Ingredients like bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and slivered almonds layer in flavor, creating a complex taste profile that feels rich but balanced.
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Ease of Preparation: With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this casserole is perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals.
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Emotional Resonance: Casseroles are synonymous with family dinners, celebrations, and comfort during tough times. This one, in particular, offers a nostalgic nod to both Southern hospitality and upscale American dining.
A Canvas for Creativity: Popular Variations
While the classic version sticks to a tried-and-true blend of chicken, soup, sour cream, and cheddar, countless variations have emerged as home cooks personalize the dish to suit their preferences. Here are some popular ways to switch it up:
1. Vegetable Add-Ins
Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas, or mushrooms not only enhances the nutritional profile but also introduces new flavors and textures. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and even sun-dried tomatoes are common additions.
2. Alternative Proteins
Though chicken is the traditional star, this casserole adapts well to turkey (especially great for Thanksgiving leftovers), ham, or even a meatless option using chickpeas or tofu.
3. Spice Level
Many cooks like to customize the heat level with additions like jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder. The original recipe includes hot sauce, but there’s plenty of room to go bolder for those who love a kick.
4. Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Options
Using gluten-free crackers or replacing the soup base with a homemade roux can make the dish more accessible to those with dietary restrictions. Some have also replaced the cracker topping with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
5. Topping Twists
While buttery Ritz crackers are iconic, other options include panko breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels, French fried onions, or even mashed potato swirls for a shepherd’s pie twist.
Nutritional Insights: A Hearty Indulgence
This casserole is not exactly a light meal and it isn’t trying to be. With approximately 724 calories per serving, it’s rich in fat and protein, primarily from the cheese, sour cream, and bacon. The almonds contribute healthy fats and a bit of fiber, while the green onions add a fresh, tangy note.
Because of its richness, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. A simple side salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli can help lighten the overall plate. And for those watching their sodium or saturated fat intake, using reduced-sodium soup and low-fat dairy options can make a noticeable difference.
Serving Suggestions: From Weeknight Dinner to Potluck Star
One of the beauties of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is its versatility in presentation. It can just as easily be served on a casual Tuesday night as it can at a more formal family gathering. Here are a few ideas for how to serve and pair it:
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For Family Dinner: Serve with steamed green beans, a light vinaigrette salad, and a glass of iced tea.
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For a Potluck or Party: Spoon into ramekins or muffin tins for individual servings and garnish with fresh herbs.
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For Brunch: Pair it with a fruit salad, fresh biscuits, and mimosas for an upscale Southern-style brunch.
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As Leftovers: Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crispy, or turn it into a sandwich filling with crusty bread and a few pickles for contrast.
Cultural Resonance: Why We Love Casseroles
Beyond the flavors and textures, casseroles like this one represent something deeper in American culinary tradition. They are communal, adaptable, and comforting meals meant to be shared. Whether it’s dropped off for a grieving neighbor, served at a church supper, or brought to a school bake sale, the casserole has long been a gesture of care and connection.
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, with its blend of luxury and hominess, encapsulates this tradition beautifully. It brings together the elevated appeal of a name-brand legacy and the warmth of a home-cooked dish, making it feel special yet familiar.
Conclusion:
In a world of ever-evolving food trends, there’s something grounding about returning to a classic. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers on all fronts: it’s easy to make, richly satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and steeped in both history and heart. Whether you’re new to casseroles or rediscovering a family favorite, this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
It’s more than just a meal it’s a comforting experience, a reminder of community, and a taste of timeless tradition. So the next time you’re in need of a cozy dinner idea, a dish to bring to friends, or just a little bit of edible nostalgia, consider reaching for the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. It’s a bite of home with a hint of glamour and isn’t that exactly what comfort food should be?