Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste; 1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz® crackers), crushed; 1/2 cup butter, melted

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe really hits the spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, with a nice little kick from the hot sauce and a satisfying crunch from the crackers and almonds on top. I first tried this at a friend’s gathering, and it’s stayed a favorite since—it’s the kind of dish everyone asks for seconds of.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is a total winner because it combines simple ingredients into something truly special. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving, so even if you’re a busy cook or new to casseroles, I promise this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe will turn out just right and make you look like a kitchen pro.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a role that makes the dish creamy, flavorful, and texturally interesting — from the tender chicken to the buttery cracker topping. Here’s what to grab before you get cooking, plus some quick tips to make the most out of your shopping trip.

Shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken for great flavor and texture.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creamy richness; you can find low-sodium versions if you want to control salt.
Sour cream: It lends a nice tang and creaminess; regular or light sour cream both work well.
Shredded Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar gives the casserole that gooey, cheesy goodness everyone loves.
Sliced green onions: Adds fresh and mild bite; don’t skip them—they brighten the dish.
Slivered almonds: These bring a lovely crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky, savory flavor; you could substitute turkey bacon if you prefer.
Hot sauce (like Tabasco®): Gives the casserole a little kick; adjust amount based on your heat preference.
Buttery crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed: These form a buttery, golden topping; use your favorite buttery-style cracker.
Butter, melted: Binds the cracker crumbs to create that magical crunchy crust on top.

Variations

I love customizing this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving it to. It’s a fantastic base that welcomes all sorts of personal touches, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Healthier Twist: I’ve swapped sour cream for Greek yogurt and used reduced-fat cheese with great results without losing creaminess.
Vegetarian Version: Try replacing chicken with hearty mushrooms or a mix of veggies like broccoli and cauliflower for a meatless casserole.
Extra Crunch: I sometimes add panko breadcrumbs mixed with the crackers to amp up the crispy topping.
Spicy Kick: For guests who love heat, double the hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper right into the mix.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each bite will be a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. Don’t worry if the mixture feels thick—that’s exactly how you want it.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

Next, crush your buttery crackers until you have about a cup of fine crumbs. Mix these with the melted butter in a small bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy. This buttery mixture will bake up into that irresistible crunchy topping that’s a highlight of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. Trust me—don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread your chicken mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Then, sprinkle your buttery cracker crumb topping all over the chicken mixture. Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. I like to let it sit for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and to help it set nicely.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to finish off this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a few extra green onions on top. It adds a fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the warm, creamy base. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper on the table lets everyone season to taste, which I always appreciate.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad are also favorites in my house. If you want to keep things cozy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for personal servings — guests love how fancy it feels but it’s still super simple to do. Layering some extra cheese on top of each ramekin before adding the cracker mixture gives a golden, bubbly crust that’s super inviting. You could also top with extra bacon bits or even some fresh herbs like thyme for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The casserole seems to develop even more flavor overnight, but the cracker topping might soften a bit — don’t worry, it still tastes delicious!

Freezing

If I want to save this casserole for longer, I freeze it before baking. Just assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen—add extra baking time and keep the foil on until it starts bubbling.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out. This helps keep the moisture inside and revives the creamy texture without overcooking. A quick 15-20 minutes usually does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe to keep it simple and ensure the casserole cooks evenly. If using raw chicken, you’d need to cook it first, then shred it before adding to the casserole mixture.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

You can make a quick homemade version by combining chicken broth, milk, flour, and butter to create a creamy sauce, or use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken for cooked vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. Omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon if desired.
How spicy is this casserole with hot sauce?

The hot sauce adds a mild kick that enhances flavor without overpowering. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or leave it out entirely if you prefer no heat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and then bake it right before serving. This is a real time saver for busy days or hosting guests.

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate, and I love how it brings people together around the dinner table. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to pull out for company. Give it a try—once you make it, I think you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe time and time again when you want a reliably delicious, creamy, crunchy, and comforting meal.