Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed; 4 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is all about comfort—creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a golden, buttery cracker topping. It’s the sort of crowd-pleaser you whip up on a weeknight but is worthy of any potluck or family gathering. Whether you’re after a hearty dinner that comes together quickly or a dish to share with friends that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, this is the recipe that never lets you down. Every bite feels like a warm hug full of savory chicken, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheeses, and a bit of crunchy magic on top. You’ll find yourself coming back to this classic casserole, again and again.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is in its simple line-up of kitchen staples, each playing its part in building flavor and ultimate coziness. Every ingredient has its moment to shine—from the creaminess of dairy to the bold bite of green onions and the irresistible buttery crunch on top.

Cooked chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken is super convenient, but any cooked, shredded or chopped chicken works beautifully.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This adds a luscious creaminess that forms the backbone of the sauce.
Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a tangy note and keeps the casserole extra moist.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts right in for a gooey, cheesy pull in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a nutty depth and salty finish to balance the richness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a background of savory warmth that enhances the chicken.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the ingredient’s best qualities.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a subtle kick and balance the creamy base.
Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): Lends a pop of freshness and a little color.
Buttery round crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Ritz crackers are classic, creating that signature crunchy topping.
Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Binds the cracker topping and turns it gloriously golden and crisp.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you just enough time to mix the casserole together while the oven warms up. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dairy and Seasonings

In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and green onions. Use a sturdy spoon or hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s creamy and uniform—the mixture should be smooth and speckled with vibrant green from the onions.

Step 3: Fold in the Chicken

Gently fold the cooked chicken into the cheesy base. You want every piece coated generously so each bite of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is bursting with creamy, savory goodness. Don’t over-mix—just enough to combine.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, reaching all the corners so the casserole bakes uniformly with every inch getting that magical creamy filling.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a clean bowl, stir together the crushed crackers and melted butter until every crumb glistens. Evenly sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole. This layer transforms in the oven, turning extra crunchy and golden, giving the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole its unforgettable texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the casserole uncovered into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, hot filling and a cracker topping that’s deeply golden around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps it set up so serving is a cinch.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of extra sliced green onions or a dusting of fresh parsley right before serving. The pop of color and freshness brightens every forkful and makes the casserole look truly inviting. Try a little freshly cracked black pepper on top if you love a peppery bite.

Side Dishes

A casserole this creamy and rich shines when paired with something fresh. A crisp green salad, simple steamed green beans, or even a medley of roasted vegetables make perfect partners. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve alongside warm biscuits or fluffy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a showstopper as a main dish, but you can also spoon it into smaller ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party. For casual gatherings, bring the whole classic baking dish to the table for guests to dig in family-style. And if you love leftovers, scoop a warm serving onto thick toasted bread for a cozy open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole (hard to believe, but it happens!), wrap the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing to keep everything fresh and safe.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, or freeze fully cooked portions. Wrap the unbaked dish tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual, or reheat already-baked portions straight from frozen at a lower temperature until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the top crispy again—about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too, but the cracker topping will be softer. Add a tiny splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to keep the filling creamy.

FAQs

What’s the story behind Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is inspired by the beloved comfort foods that made their way from kitchen tables to café menus—especially those served at the legendary Neiman Marcus department store cafés. It’s become a favorite for its ultra-creamy filling and iconic cracker topping, now a staple in home kitchens everywhere.

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, you can mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a new twist. Blending a smoky cheese into the mix also adds a delicious depth to the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.

Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?

You can use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheeses to shave off a few calories. Some folks even swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream. The final result will still be creamy and comforting, just a little lighter.

What’s the best way to crush the crackers?

Put the buttery crackers in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin for perfect, even crumbs. Don’t crush them too finely; a little texture is what makes the topping on Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole special.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or cooked broccoli along with the chicken to add color and extra nutrition. Just pat them dry first so your casserole doesn’t get watery.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a bubbling pan of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole coming out of the oven—cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and endlessly comforting. If you’re in the mood for classic comfort with just a hint of elegance, gather your ingredients and give this casserole a try. It’s a dish you’ll want to share with everyone you love!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, a creamy and cheesy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, a decadent cream cheese mixture, and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
4 tablespoons melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked chicken until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.