Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

A rich, creamy casserole layered with tender shredded chicken, sour cream, cheese, almonds, and a buttery cracker crust. Inspired by the iconic dish from Neiman Marcus Café, it’s upscale comfort food perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet easy – luxurious texture with pantry staples

• Quick prep – just mix, layer, and bake

• Crowd-pleasing – generous portions and familiar flavors

• Make-ahead friendly – assemble early, bake later

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sliced green onions

• ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted

• 1½ tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• Topping: 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

• Topping: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chicken, soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, and hot sauce until fully combined.

3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.

5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40–45 minutes

• Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Soup swap: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery

• Cheese mix: Add Monterey Jack or Swiss for a milder profile

• Vegetable boost: Fold in peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms

• Nut-free: Skip almonds or replace with toasted breadcrumbs

• Extra heat: Add cayenne or more hot sauce for a kick

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through

• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge

FAQs

Can I make this without almonds?

Yes—just leave them out or substitute with breadcrumbs or sunflower seeds.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

Any cooked chicken works—boiled, grilled, or baked and shredded.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes—Greek yogurt offers similar creaminess with added protein.

What crackers are best for the topping?

Buttery crackers like Ritz or Club are perfect for the crumb topping.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes—freeze fully cooked portions for up to 3 months. Reheat from thawed or frozen.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soup and crackers to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I serve with it?

Pair with a side salad, green beans, roasted carrots, or mashed potatoes.

Is this casserole spicy?

Only mildly—adjust the hot sauce to your taste or leave it out.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time slightly if needed.

How can I add more protein?

Stir in cooked quinoa or white beans for a protein boost without changing the flavor.

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the ultimate in cozy, creamy casseroles. It’s easy to prep, crowd-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether for a casual weeknight or a potluck gathering, this casserole will always hit the spot.

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