Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a flavorful blend of spices. Topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make 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 to evenly combine the seasonings.
- Add Chicken and Cheeses: Fold in the cooked chicken, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, slivered almonds, and sliced green onions. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until the crackers are evenly moistened with butter for a crunchy top layer.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the surface for that signature crunchy texture.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley and extra sliced green onions. Let it rest a few minutes before serving for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy casserole base.
- Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time but any cooked chicken works well.
- Don’t skip the buttery cracker topping for a deliciously crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Bake until edges are bubbly and topping is golden to ensure the casserole is heated through.
- For make-ahead, assemble casserole without the topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add crackers and bake.
- Freeze before baking for best texture; thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
- Optional add-ins like peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be folded in without watering down the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
