As I scooped the rich, creamy mixture from the casserole dish, the aroma wafting through my kitchen felt like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole takes comfort food to a new level with its layers of tender chicken and velvety sauce, finished with a satisfying Ritz cracker crunch. This dish not only caters to the busy weeknight schedules with its quick prep and make-ahead options but also transforms any dinner into a cozy gathering infused with Southern charm. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to swap in ingredients based on what you have on hand. So, are you ready to create a comforting masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds?
Why is this casserole a must-try?
Comforting Harmony: The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole blends creamy richness with savory flavors, creating a cozy dish that evokes homey feelings.
Quick Prep: Simplify your dinner plans with this budget-friendly recipe that comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Endless Customization: Feel free to play with ingredients! Swap chicken for turkey or dive into veggies like broccoli or peas for a nutritious twist.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven the next day, and enjoy a hassle-free meal that’s ready when you are.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve this casserole at gatherings, and watch your family and friends come back for more of its irresistible layers—as delightful as my Chopped Chicken Bacon sub!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients
For the Filling
• Chicken Breast – Use cooked, shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
• Sour Cream – Adds a delightful creaminess and tang; plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitution.
• Cream Cheese – Provides a rich texture that transforms the casserole into a comforting masterpiece.
• Mayonnaise – Enhances moisture and richness; feel free to swap in more sour cream or yogurt.
• Cheddar Cheese – Offers a savory flavor essential for that classic taste; try Colby Jack or Monterey Jack as substitutes.
• Onion – Adds depth of flavor; fresh or dry onion works equally well for this dish.
For the Topping
• Ritz Crackers – Creates a buttery crunch topping; consider panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free alternative.
Get ready to indulge in this creamy chicken casserole that truly captures the essence of comforting home cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole cooks evenly and develops a delightful golden crust. While it’s heating up, gather your mixing bowls and measuring utensils to streamline the process as you proceed with the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Add in finely chopped onion and your choice of seasonings, mixing everything until it’s creamy and well-blended. This velvety mixture is what makes the casserole irresistibly decadent, so take your time to achieve a smooth texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously to prevent sticking. Spoon the creamy chicken filling into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the filling is distributed evenly to ensure every bite of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is packed with flavor and turns out perfectly cooked throughout.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Take your Ritz crackers and crush them into fine crumbs using a zip-top bag or food processor. Evenly sprinkle these buttery cracker crumbs over the filled chicken mixture, creating a crunchy topping that will bake into a deliciously crispy layer. The contrast between the smooth filling and the crispy top is one of the highlights of this dish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown, and the edges are bubbling with a creamy sauce. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a delightful indicator that dinner is almost ready!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into generous portions. This brief cooling time helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve. Pair your casserole with a fresh garden salad or complementary sides for a comforting meal that’s sure to please.
Make Ahead Options
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a meal prep dream come true! You can easily assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the filling mixture, spread it in the greased casserole dish, and top it with crushed Ritz crackers. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed. This way, you’ll still enjoy a creamy, comforting casserole just as delicious as if it were made fresh that day!
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
The warm aroma of this creamy delight fills the air, inviting you to create a balanced meal that delights the senses.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad brings a vibrant contrast to the rich casserole, adding an element of brightness to the meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: The tender crunch of steamed broccoli complements the velvety casserole, providing color and extra nutrition to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: The warmth of buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and enhancing the overall comfort experience.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots add a touch of earthiness and color, balancing flavors while making the meal feel complete.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: For the cheese lovers, this decadent side amplifies the comfort factor and satisfies cravings for warm, cheesy goodness.
- Cranberry Sauce: A touch of tangy sweetness from cranberry sauce livens up the palate, making each bite of the casserole taste even more delightful.
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of wine can elevate your meal, enriching the palate and complementing the casserole’s creamy undertones.
Each of these pairings enriches the dining experience, wrapping your taste buds in a warm embrace alongside the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Expert Tips for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and enhanced creaminess in your casserole.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you add the topping, avoid overmixing to maintain that delightful texture contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy Ritz cracker layer.
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Use Pre-cooked Chicken: For convenience, opt for shredded rotisserie chicken, allowing you to save time in your busy kitchen while adding great flavor to your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
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Customize Wisely: Experiment with ingredient swaps like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or vegetables for added nutrition, keeping the heartiness of this comfort dish intact.
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Storage Savvy: If you’re making this casserole ahead of time, assemble it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage Tips for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Fridge: Store leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to preserve freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, ensuring it remains creamy.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. It will maintain its flavor and texture beautifully when baked fresh the next day.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Variations
Feel free to explore and customize this comforting casserole to suit your taste and pantry!
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Veggie Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sweet peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, adding veggies makes each bite even more delightful!
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Protein Swap: Use turkey or even shredded pork in place of chicken for a fun twist. Flavors change with the protein, but the comfort stays the same!
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Cheesy Delight: For a twist on the classic flavor, try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a spicy kick. This not only adds depth but also creates a creamy, rich layer that your family will love.
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Gluten-Free Topping: Substitute traditional Ritz crackers with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for that desired crunch without the gluten. It’s all about making everyone feel included at the dinner table!
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Herb Allure: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling mixture for an aromatic experience that elevates the casserole. Fresh herbs work wonderfully too, and they bring your dish to life!
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Zesty Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the filling for a surprising layer of flavor. It’s a perfect way to satisfy your spicy cravings and keep things interesting!
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Creamy Alternative: If you’re looking for a lighter option, replace some of the cream cheese with silken tofu or cottage cheese. You’ll still have that creamy texture, but with a healthful boost!
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International Flair: Spice things up by adding curry powder or taco seasoning to the chicken mixture for a unique spin reminiscent of your favorite international dishes. You can serve it alongside rice or tortillas for a complete meal.
Don’t forget to serve this comforting casserole with a fresh garden salad or steaming garlic bread, and if you’re feeling adventurous for your next meal, try the Mexican Chicken Rice for something totally different!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this casserole?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using cooked, shredded chicken or even a rotisserie chicken. This saves time and adds a delightful depth to your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken as well, just ensure it’s moist to maintain the casserole’s creamy consistency.
How should I store leftovers after cooking?
Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful. You’ll love that even a few days later, it’s still just as comforting!
Can I freeze the casserole for later?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
What if my casserole is too dry after baking?
If your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole seems dry, it could be due to overbaking or using too much of a lean chicken. To remedy this, simply add a splash of chicken broth or extra sour cream to the filling mixture before baking. This will help hydrate the dish while keeping it creamy and delicious.
What are some dietary considerations for this casserole?
If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can make this casserole gluten-free by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. For those with dairy allergies, use vegan cream cheese and non-dairy sour cream alternatives to fit your needs while still enjoying this delightful comfort food!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: Your Creamy Comfort Fix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken filling evenly into the dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle over the filling.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving.