Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Ultimate Comfort!

ByDeShawn Ellis
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SPREAD LOVE

Short, Catchy Intro

So you want cozy comfort food that feels like a warm hug but without the drama of a million steps. Same. This creamy Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is basically everything you want on a weeknight or for when you need to impress without sweating. It layers shredded chicken, dreamy cream cheese goodness, melty cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker top that pops like tiny crunchy confetti.

Want to nerd out on similar creamy, cheesy vibes? Check this out for inspiration Creamy crack chicken gnocchi and then come back. Trust me, this casserole plays well with leftovers and with people who will eat anything you put in front of them.

Why This Recipe is Awesome (H2)

This recipe is total magic because it looks fancy but acts lazy. It feeds a crowd without requiring advanced chef moves. You mix, layer, bake, and boom. It is idiot proof and honestly I once forgot an ingredient and it still tasted like a win.

The topping gives a buttery crunch that balances the silky interior. The filling stays moist and cheesy so nobody complains about dry chicken. Also this casserole stores well and reheats like a dream, which means tomorrow you get leftover glory. IMO this is the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds even when they say they are full.

Ingredients Youll Need (H2)

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 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

Yes that is it. Keep it simple. If you want to be fancy you can use rotisserie chicken and call it gourmet. FYI this recipe loves shortcuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions (H2)

  1. 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 mins at 375°F/190°C), then cool slightly and shred or dice.

  2. 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. Set aside.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Fold in Chicken
    Gently fold the prepared shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until it’s evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to maintain chicken texture.

  6. 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.

  7. 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 with aluminum foil.

  8. 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.

  9. Serve and Enjoy
    Slice into squares and serve warm. Pair with a simple salad or roasted veggies if you want to pretend you are health conscious.

Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Ultimate Comfort!

Common Mistakes to Avoid (H2)

  • Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie move. Preheat and be kind to your timing.
  • Overmixing the chicken into the base. You want coated pieces, not mush.
  • Skimping on the cracker topping. A soggy top is a sad top. Don’t be that person.
  • Baking too long. This casserole needs to be hot and bubbly not dry and leathery. Check it at 30 minutes.
  • Skipping the rest time. Cutting immediately turns everything into a sloppy mess. Let it chill for ten minutes and take the win.

Alternatives & Substitutions (H2)

  • No cream cheese or dairy free life? Use a dairy free cream cheese and a plant based mayo. Texture changes but it still gets cozy.
  • Out of Ritz crackers? Use buttery breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers. The crunch is the point.
  • Want more veg? Stir in some frozen peas or chopped broccoli for color and fiber. I like it with peas.
  • No shredded chicken ready? Use rotating leftovers or a rotisserie chicken to save time. Seriously the rotisserie is your friend.
  • Cheese swap? Try pepper jack for a kick or Swiss for silky meltiness. Choose your vibe.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (H2)

Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Ultimate Comfort!

Q Will this freeze well?
A Yes. Portion it into freezer safe containers or freeze the whole casserole. Thaw overnight and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Q Can I make it ahead and refrigerate overnight?
A Totally. Assemble, cover, and pop it in the fridge. Bake the next day adding a few extra minutes if still cold.

Q Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that. Butter gives the topping that golden flavor you actually notice.

Q Can I skip the mayonnaise?
A You can but mayo helps with creaminess and mouthfeel. Swap in extra sour cream if you must.

Q Is this spicy?
A No not unless you add spice. Toss in some cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you want heat.

Q How do I make it low carb?
A Skip the cracker topping and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs for a low carb crunch.

Final Thoughts (H2)

You just made one of the most comforting casseroles that doubles as weekday dinner and potluck hero. Keep the serving sizes generous because people will want seconds. Remember to rest the casserole for cleaner slices and better flavor. Play around with mix ins and cheeses to make it yours. Now go impress someone or yourself with this cozy bowl of cheesy bliss. You earned it.

Conclusion (H2)

If you want to peek at other takes on this classic for inspiration check out this original style version at Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe and another homey twist at Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – The Country Cook.

Happy baking and may your topping always be crispy and your life slightly less complicated.

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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting chicken casserole with layers of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.

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
  • 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

  1. Prepare Chicken: Ensure you have 3 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Craft the Creamy Base: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whisk until completely smooth.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the sliced green onions, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Fold in Chicken: Gently fold the prepared shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the chicken mixture in the dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and repeat the layering with the remaining mixture and cheese. Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
  7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Rest Before Serving: Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole stores well and reheats beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, comfort food, creamy, easy dinner, Neiman Marcus

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Hey, I’m DeShawn Ellis—friends call me D. I’m 42 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and now I’m holding it down in Atlanta, Georgia, where I run a soul food kitchen that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Cooking isn’t just what I do it’s who I am. It’s how I honor where I come from, and how I speak love into the world.

My earliest memories are in my grandma’s kitchen barefoot on a step stool, stirring roux while she told me stories about her own mama, who used to cook for church fish fries back in the ’50s. That kitchen was my school. That woman was my first chef. She never measured a thing, but everything came out perfect. She taught me that food could heal, could gather people, could celebrate and comfort at the same time.

I didn’t come up through culinary school I came up through Sunday dinners, community cookouts, and elbow grease. I worked every back-of-house job you can think of, from janitor to pitmaster. Over time, I built my own rhythm in the kitchen deeply rooted in Southern Black tradition but open to everything. My oxtails have a splash of Caribbean heat. My collards might get kissed with smoked paprika and a dash of coconut vinegar. And yeah, I’ll put Cajun spice on anything that holds still long enough.

What drives me most is making food that feels like a hug from home. I want folks to taste a dish and remember their auntie's kitchen, or a summer evening on the porch, or that one bite that made them feel seen. But I also want to evolve because our food, our culture, is not stuck in the past. It’s growing, remixing, finding new voices. I’m proud to be one of them.

I cook for people who love food with a story behind it. You don’t need fancy tools or a French accent to make magic you just need heart, hustle, and a little bit of fire. If you’ve ever cooked with love, failed with style, or fed someone just to see them smile, then we’re already family.

Welcome to my kitchen. Let’s build something beautiful one bite at a time.

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