Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a crispy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this comforting casserole combines shredded chicken with a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses, then bakes to golden bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish)
Cracker Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Extra sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly combined.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, 1½ cups shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, slivered almonds, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from oven, garnish with chopped parsley and extra sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture that blends well.
- Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time, but any cooked chicken works.
- Do not skip the buttery cracker topping for a satisfying crunchy contrast.
- Bake until edges are bubbling and topping is golden to ensure the center is fully heated.
- To make ahead: assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add topping and bake fresh.
- Freezing tip: Freeze assembled casserole before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight before baking with topping.
- Optional add-ins like peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be folded in without affecting the sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
