Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy and cheesy chicken dish topped with a buttery cracker crust. This comforting casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, slivered almonds, and green onions, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
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
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish)
Topping
- 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the 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 incorporated.
- Combine main ingredients: Fold in the cooked chicken, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, slivered almonds, and sliced green onions until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and mix until the crackers are evenly moistened.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake initial layer: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and extra green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Rotisserie chicken is ideal for flavor and convenience, but any cooked chicken will work.
- Do not skip the buttery cracker topping—it adds a delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Bake until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown to ensure the casserole is heated perfectly.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping and bake just before serving.
- For freezing, assemble the casserole before baking, freeze, then thaw overnight before adding the topping and baking.
- Optional add-ins such as peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be folded in without making the sauce watery.
