There’s something about the warmth of a casserole that wraps around you like a favorite quilt on a chilly evening. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has been a cherished recipe in my repertoire for years, a secret treasure shared among families and friends. Imagine tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, cheesy blend, all tucked beneath a crispy Ritz cracker topping that adds that perfect crunch. It’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gatherings. Trust me; once you take your first bite, the heartfelt "yum" that escapes your lips will echo around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience wrapped in convenience and comforting flavors. This dish checks so many boxes: it’s quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, there’s a fair chance you’ll have most of the ingredients already resting in your pantry. It makes for an ideal weeknight dinner when time is tight or a perfect potluck dish that will earn you countless recipe requests from friends.
"A warm hug in a dish! The combination of creamy cheese and tender chicken is just divine. It’s my go-to for family gatherings!" – A happy home cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Getting this casserole ready is a breeze, which is exactly how cooking should be sometimes. You’ll mix some creamy goodness with shredded chicken, layer everything in a baking dish, sprinkle a buttery cracker topping, and let the magic happen in the oven. In about 30 minutes, you’ll be serving a dish that not only looks inviting but also tastes like a home-cooked hug.
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients to whip up this delightful casserole. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (You can let it sit at room temp for a bit)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (For that extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (Gives it a nice bite)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Feel free to adjust if you love garlic)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers (The star of the topping!)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Notes on Ingredients:
If you want a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. A bit of rotisserie chicken can save you time, too!
Directions to Follow
Now let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the cooking process. Here’s how to put this casserole together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish—this keeps everything from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, along with salt and pepper. Mix until it’s beautifully blended.
- Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and those vibrant green onions. You want them all to mingle well without over-mixing.
- Spread this savory mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish, inviting that cheesy goodness to take center stage.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. This will create that irresistible, crunchy topping.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the chicken layer, giving it a delightfully crisp finish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The anticipation during those last few minutes is truly something special.
- Once you’re done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes—it’ll be hot and so much easier to serve when slightly cooled!
- Serve warm, perhaps garnishing with additional green onions if you’re feeling fancy.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Now that your casserole is baked to perfection and aromas are swirling in the air, how should you serve it? I love to plate this with a simple side salad—something light to balance the richness. A mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast. You could also serve some roasted vegetables on the side for added variety, but honestly, this casserole stands beautifully on its own as a hearty centerpiece for the dinner table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! To keep this casserole fresh, make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can easily be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Want to hold on to it longer? Freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake straight from there. The key? Always reheat it until it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Prep your ingredients: Shred the chicken and chop the green onions ahead of time to streamline the process.
- Experiment with cheeses: Swap in pepper jack for some heat or mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Make it your own: Add cooked veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a nutrient-packed twist.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can shake things up by experimenting with various flavors. Try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or incorporate a bit of ranch seasoning into the cream cheese mixture for an herby flavor boost. For a twist on toppings, consider crushed tortilla chips mixed with taco seasoning instead of Ritz crackers for a Tex-Mex spin. The possibilities are endless!
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, plus baking time.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! It’s a huge time saver and adds great flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Is it safe to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What can I serve with it?
A light salad, steamed veggies, or even some crusty bread would pair beautifully.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, along with salt and pepper. Mix until it's beautifully blended.
- Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the chicken layer.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.