Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

This creamy crunchy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is made with shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and toasted almonds, and ready in 45 minutes. The rich mayonnaise and mushroom soup base bubbles up through the buttery crushed cracker topping as it bakes. I always look forward to serving this comforting dish on busy weeknights.

Why This Classic Works

I used to think traditional casseroles were heavy and bland until I tried balancing the creamy base with fresh celery and toasted almonds. The crunch from the nuts and vegetables cuts right through the rich mayonnaise and cheese sauce.

My biggest mistake early on was skipping the toasted almonds, which left the texture flat. Now I always toast them lightly before mixing, giving the dish a deeper, nuttier flavor that stands out against the buttery cracker topping.

Jump to Recipe

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine the base: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, celery, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and black pepper until fully combined.
3. Transfer to dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
4. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
5. Bake the casserole: Sprinkle the buttered crackers over the chicken mixture and bake for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Toast the almonds: Taking 5 minutes to toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet adds a crucial depth of flavor.
• Shred the chicken evenly: Uniform pieces of chicken ensure every bite has the right ratio of meat to creamy sauce.
• Do not overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the chicken from turning to mush.

What To Serve With Chicken Casserole

Pair this rich dish with a simple side like roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad dressed with vinaigrette. The acidity of a fresh salad helps balance the heavy, creamy elements of the main course.

How To Store

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months, thawing it in the fridge overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, pulling meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a great savory flavor to the dish.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

If you prefer less mayonnaise, you can swap half of it for plain Greek yogurt. It will slightly alter the tanginess but still works well as a binder.

Why did my casserole turn out watery?

This usually happens if your celery releases too much water or if you use frozen chicken that was not fully drained before mixing.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Protein: 24g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken Green Bean Casserole Recipe
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Casserole Recipe
• Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe