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Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole — Ultimate Comfort!

This casserole tastes like a cozy family potluck in a pan: rich, creamy, and topped with buttery Ritz crumbs for a crunchy finish. It’s the kind of dish that warms the kitchen and makes gatherings effortless, whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for the week. For a deeper look and a printable card of this comfort classic, see the full recipe page.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of assembling complicated weeknight dinners or want something that reliably pleases a crowd, this casserole is perfect because it combines pantry-friendly ingredients into one satisfying bake that holds well for later meals. The creamy base keeps the chicken tender while the cracker topping adds contrast — exactly the balance most comfort-food lovers crave.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Prepare Chicken

Ensure you have 3 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. If starting with raw chicken, cook it by boiling or baking (approx. 20–25 minutes at 375°F/190°C), then cool slightly and shred or dice.
Tip: Poaching in seasoned broth gives extra flavor and keeps the chicken moist; reserve a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid if you want to loosen the filling later.

Prepare Cracker Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated and set aside. This mix browns quickly in the oven thanks to the butter, so keep an eye on the bake and tent with foil if needed.

Craft the Creamy Base

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the softened 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
Whisk until completely smooth and well combined. Smoothness matters — small lumps of cream cheese can leave uneven pockets and affect texture.

Add Flavorings

Stir in the 1/2 cup of sliced green onions, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well to incorporate all seasonings. You can reserve a few green onion slices for garnish if you like a fresh pop of color on top after baking.

Fold in Chicken

Gently fold the prepared shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until it’s evenly coated.
Avoid overmixing to maintain chicken texture and prevent the mixture from becoming too loose.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread about half of the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer.
Carefully spoon the remaining half of the chicken mixture over the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the second chicken layer.
Finally, evenly scatter the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the entire surface, gently pressing down so they cling to the cheese.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.

Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This allows it to set up and flavors to meld, making for cleaner, more enjoyable portions.

Tips for preparing each step

Shred chicken while slightly warm for easier handling and more uniform pieces.
Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to get the cream cheese fully incorporated without lumps.
Crush crackers in a resealable bag with a rolling pin for even crumbs; for a coarser topping, pulse in a food processor.
If your filling seems dry, stir in up to 2 tablespoons of milk or reserved chicken cooking liquid to loosen it slightly before baking.

Best Way to Store Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C).
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes until warmed through or microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

How to Serve Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Pair it with a crisp side salad (mixed greens, vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
Serve with steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots for color and nutrition.
For a heartier meal, spoon the casserole over mashed potatoes or serve alongside buttery dinner rolls to sop up the creamy sauce.
Garnish options: fresh chopped parsley, extra sliced green onions, or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika for color.

Tips to Make Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for depth of flavor.
Let the casserole rest before slicing; this helps it hold shape and prevents scooped-out servings.
For guaranteed melty cheese, cover the casserole for the first 20 minutes of bake time, then remove the cover to brown the top.

Variations and substitutions

Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with 3 cups of cooked and drained cauliflower florets or chickpeas; add a little more seasoning and a splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Lighter swap: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and cut back the butter on the cracker topping by 25% — the texture becomes slightly less rich but still satisfying.

FAQs

Q: How do I keep the casserole from becoming soggy?
A: Drain any excess moisture from shredded chicken (especially if it was poached). Don’t add extra liquid to the creamy base; allow the casserole to rest after baking so it firms up.

Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping right before baking if you want maximum crunch.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat single servings?
A: Microwave on medium power in 30–45 second bursts until heated through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes covered, then remove the cover for a few minutes to crisp the topping.

Q: Can I use different crackers for the topping?
A: Absolutely. Saltines, buttery club crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter all make good alternatives and change the texture slightly.

Q: How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
A: Sauté a small diced onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves and mix them into the creamy base, or add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy lift.

A few extra thoughts on common questions:

If your cracker topping starts to brown too soon, tent with foil as noted above.
For a crispier bottom layer, bake the casserole uncovered on a lower rack to allow better heat circulation.

Serving occasions and menu ideas

Potluck star: This bake travels well and can be kept warm in a slow cooker set on low (transfer to the slow cooker if you’re taking it to a gathering).
Family night: Serve with simple sides (steamed veg and rolls) for a quick weeknight comfort meal.
Holiday leftover upgrade: Stir leftover turkey into the creamy base in place of chicken for a festive twist after Thanksgiving.

Nutrition and portion guidance

Estimated serving size: 1 cup per person for a main dish (9×13 pan yields about 8–10 servings).
Protein-forward: With 3 cups of chicken, each serving has a solid amount of protein, balanced by dairy fats from cream cheese and sour cream.
To lighten up: Reduce cheese by 1/2 cup and add a cup of cooked diced vegetables (mushrooms, bell pepper, or spinach) for bulk without as many calories per serving.

Make-ahead and batch-cooking advice

Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for easy future dinners. Label with baking instructions and date.
To maintain topping texture when reheating frozen casseroles, bake covered until hot, then add a fresh layer of crushed crackers with a little melted butter and bake 5–10 minutes uncovered to refresh the crunch.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Forgetting to soften cream cheese: This makes mixing harder and can leave lumps — let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or microwave in short bursts until just soft.
Over-salting: The cracker topping and cheddar cheese contribute salt; season the filling conservatively and adjust after assembling if needed.
Crowding the dish: Use a 9×13 pan as suggested — smaller pans lead to very thick layers and uneven baking.

Final flavor boosters

A squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar stirred into the filling can brighten the otherwise rich flavors.
A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce on individual portions adds nuance for those who prefer a little heat.

Conclusion

This comforting casserole has endured because it’s simple to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and forgiving — a true weeknight or potluck winner. For an alternative take and more serving ideas inspired by home cooks, check out this detailed version at Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – The Country Cook. If you’d like another proven recipe with step-by-step photos, there’s a helpful guide at Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Jo Cooks.

Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free Option

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy casserole topped with buttery Ritz crumbs, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Cook the chicken by boiling or baking it until done, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare Cracker Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and set aside.
Craft the Creamy Base: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth in a large bowl.
Add Flavorings: Stir in green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fold in Chicken: Gently combine shredded chicken with the creamy mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the chicken mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese, layer the remaining chicken mixture, top with remaining cheese and cracker crumbs.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for flavor depth. Let the casserole rest before slicing for better shape.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, comforting recipes, potluck dinners, creamy casserole, easy chicken recipes

Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Ultimate Comfort!

Conclusion