Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that's full of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy topping that makes every bite delightful. It’s a classic casserole…

By Julia • November 24, 2025 • Reading time: 5 min

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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that’s full of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy topping that makes every bite delightful. It’s a classic casserole that brings together familiar ingredients like cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers, all baked to bubbly perfection. The gooey cheese and crispy top create a perfect mix of textures that’s hard to resist.

I love making this casserole when I want something that feels cozy but doesn’t take forever to prepare. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially on busy weeknights or when you need a simple dish to share with family and friends. One tip I’ve found helpful is to let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this makes it easier to serve and helps the flavors settle together nicely.

My favorite way to enjoy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side, balancing out the richness of the casserole. Whenever I bring this dish to gatherings, it’s always a hit, and people often ask for the recipe because it’s so comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, no matter where you’re eating it!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Using shredded or cubed chicken works best here. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds nice flavor. You can also use leftover roasted chicken to save time.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives the casserole its creamy texture and savory base. If you want to go lighter, try a homemade cream sauce or a low-sodium canned soup.

Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: Both add richness and moisture. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and light mayo or a blend of yogurt and mayo works well too.

Mushrooms & Celery: These veggies add texture and a bit of freshness. If you don’t love mushrooms, try substituting with cooked zucchini or bell peppers.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar packs flavor and melts nicely. You can swap it with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mild mozzarella if preferred.

Ritz Crackers & Butter: The cracker topping gives a crunchy, buttery finish. If you can’t find Ritz, any buttery, flaky cracker or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter works well.

How Can I Make Sure the Casserole Is Creamy but Not Watery?

The balance of creamy ingredients and proper baking is key to avoid a watery casserole. Here’s how to nail it:

• Use cooked chicken that isn’t too wet—pat it dry if needed.
• Drain any excess liquid from mushrooms if using fresh ones, or use canned mushrooms well-drained.
• Mix soup, sour cream, and mayo well for even moisture.
• Don’t overdo the liquids; stick to recipe amounts carefully.
• Bake uncovered to let moisture evaporate and the top crisp up.
• Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set—it will thicken as it cools slightly.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowls – one large for combining ingredients and one small for the cracker topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of soup, sour cream, and spices.
• Spoon or spatula – for mixing the creamy filling without breaking up the chicken too much.
• Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot casserole dish after baking.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken for cooked turkey or ham for a tasty twist, especially around holidays.
• Add cooked broccoli or peas for extra color and a mild veggie crunch.
• Mix in a teaspoon of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to add creaminess and mild flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch casserole dish – ideal for even cooking and easy serving.
• Large mixing bowl – to combine all the main ingredients smoothly.
• Small mixing bowl – for preparing the cracker topping with melted butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – for stirring without breaking up the chicken pieces too much.
• Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot casserole dish when taking it out of the oven.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Cheese Variations: Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different melt and flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Add cooked broccoli, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Protein Options: Swap chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef for variety.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried thyme to deepen the flavor.
• Crunchy Topping Alternatives: Use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or fried onions if you want a different crunchy layer.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Casserole?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.

Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble all the ingredients and cover the casserole dish tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or use a plant-based chicken alternative. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.