Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has a rich story, much like mine. At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, I’m Sam, born from my grandma’s cozy kitchen and sharpened by years of cooking across diners, bistros, and bustling street stalls. This creamy, cheesy casserole reminds me of the comfort food families crave after long days. It’s got the richness of sour cream, the crunch of buttery crackers, and the warmth of seasoned chicken, simple flavors layered with heart. This dish isn’t just baked chicken, it’s a story on a plate. And I’m here to help you make it with confidence, joy, and that home-cooked magic.
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What is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
A retro classic with rich, creamy character
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a beloved comfort dish, named after the iconic department store’s cafe menu. It’s not just a casserole, it’s a symbol of upscale Southern style hospitality made accessible for home cooks. What makes it so special is its balance: tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese blend, and a golden buttery topping. The original version likely started as a café favorite in Neiman Marcus’s famous Zodiac Room, where elegance met comfort on a plate. But in today’s kitchens, it’s all about creating the same indulgent taste without any fuss.
Unlike your typical chicken bake, this casserole layers shredded chicken with sour cream, cheddar, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. It’s topped with crushed crackers and sliced almonds for a crisp finish. Think of it as the elevated cousin to dump-and-bake Alfredo, but with a Southern twist that fits right into your next potluck, family dinner, or even meal prep lineup.
Why it’s a favorite in real-life kitchens
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole isn’t famous just because of the name, it’s famous because it works. The recipe combines pantry staples with crowd pleasing texture: creamy, crunchy, cheesy. It also reheats well, freezes well, and pleases picky eaters. From working moms to meal planners and beginner home cooks, this dish saves time without sacrificing flavor.
It’s also flexible. You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or even swap ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re craving comfort after a long week or preparing ahead for guests, it’s as dependable as it is delicious. Much like our One Pan Chicken and Chorizo or White Lasagna Recipe, it checks every box: easy, flavorful, and worth making again and again.
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy comfort classic layered with shredded chicken, buttery crackers, and a golden almond topping, easy, retro, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder).
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, toss together crushed crackers, sliced almonds, and melted butter until fully coated.
- Sprinkle cracker mixture over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or add spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Step by Step
Simple ingredients, real flavor
Making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is easier than it sounds, and it’s packed with comfort in every bite. You’ll start with cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor. Then, mix it with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise. For the crispy topping, crushed buttery crackers and sliced almonds get tossed in melted butter until golden and ready to bake.
Unlike some casseroles that overload on extras, this recipe keeps things simple, warm, and satisfying, similar to how our Mississippi Chicken Recipe balances bold flavor with quick prep. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with that crunchy finish, making every bite memorable.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup melted butter
Step by step for casserole success
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, sour cream, mayo, soup, cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder). Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In another bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, almonds, and melted butter until coated. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the topping turns golden brown. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving, it thickens beautifully. It’s a prep friendly recipe that fits right into busy weeknights, much like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.
Who Loves Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, and Why It Works
Perfect for busy families, potlucks, and casual hosts
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of those rare recipes that checks all the right boxes: comforting, crowd pleasing, and completely foolproof. It’s a go to for busy parents who want to serve a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a hit at potlucks, church gatherings, and family reunions because it feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream.
What makes it work is how universal the flavors are. It doesn’t try too hard, it simply delivers on creamy texture, savory chicken, cheesy goodness, and a buttery crunch. That’s why it’s been shared across generations and adapted in so many kitchens. The same way White Lasagna brings comfort in layers, this casserole offers familiar warmth in every bite.
You’ll find that even picky eaters go for seconds, while seasoned home cooks appreciate how well it plays with variations. From meal prepping parents to grandparents making Sunday dinner, it fits into real life without requiring anything fancy.
It adapts to your fridge, and your week
One reason Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has become a modern classic is because it works with what you already have. Leftover roasted chicken? Perfect. No sour cream? Greek yogurt swaps in easily. Craving a meatless Monday? Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a twist.
If you’re juggling a full schedule, you can even assemble it the night before and pop it into the oven after work. That kind of flexibility is why it’s found a place alongside weekday staples like our One Pan Chicken and Chorizo, because when dinner’s easy, life feels a little lighter.
How Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Works, Nutrition, Storage, and E E A T
Smart comfort with real kitchen value
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole isn’t just delicious, it’s practical, budget friendly, and works for many lifestyles. The ingredients are affordable and shelf stable, making it ideal for meal planning or last minute prep. With a few pantry staples and cooked chicken, you can feed a hungry family in under an hour. It’s no wonder this casserole has earned a spot next to weeknight winners like our Cottage Mac and Cheese.
Nutritionally, it’s a rich dish, but portion control and balance make it fit within a realistic, satisfying meal plan. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a full plate that leaves no one hungry. Leftovers hold up beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and taste even better reheated.
Built on trust: My experience, your results
When it comes to online recipes, trust matters. At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, I’m not just handing you a list of steps, I’m sharing real experience from decades of cooking and testing dishes like this in kitchens big and small. This casserole works because I’ve made it countless times. I’ve seen how families react to it and heard the requests for seconds.
Following E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) isn’t just for search engines, it’s how I write every recipe here. I’ve tested different cracker types, played with the cheese blend, and learned what shortcuts you can take without losing flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a busy parent, this recipe is written for you.
So next time you’re in the mood for something rich, reliable, and rewarding, this casserole will be waiting, just like our Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich that’s spicy, sticky, and equally unforgettable.
Conclusion: Creamy, Crunchy, and Truly Worth It
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than a retro recipe, it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds without needing anything complicated. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving warm, cheesy comfort, it delivers every time. The blend of tender chicken, rich sauce, and crunchy topping makes it a staple worth repeating. From Sam’s kitchen to yours, Fresh Leaf Rezepte is all about sharing honest, flavorful meals, and this one’s a true standout.
What do you put in a chicken casserole?
A chicken casserole typically includes shredded or diced cooked chicken, a creamy binder like sour cream or cream of chicken soup, cheese for richness, and a crunchy topping. In Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, the classic combo includes sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and crushed buttery crackers mixed with sliced almonds and melted butter. The result is a creamy, savory dish with a golden crunch.
Why is it called Neiman Marcus?
The casserole is believed to have been inspired by dishes served at the Neiman Marcus department store cafés, particularly the iconic Zodiac Room. Known for refined, upscale comfort food, the café made dishes like this a favorite among lunch goers. Over time, home cooks adapted the flavors into an easy, baked version, hence the name Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole became popular online.
Which is the best chicken dish in the world?
While “best” is subjective, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole stands out for its simplicity, creamy texture, and universal appeal. It’s up there with global favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Coq au Vin, and classic American fried chicken. What makes this casserole special is how it blends convenience with a rich, homemade taste, earning its place in many family kitchens.
Why is it called million dollar chicken?
The term “million dollar chicken” often refers to how indulgent and rich the dish tastes, like something you’d expect in a fancy restaurant. With creamy filling, golden topping, and comforting flavors, dishes like Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole feel luxurious while using simple, affordable ingredients.