Name: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food classic that will impress everyone at the table, look no further than this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a perfectly buttery, crunchy crust, this casserole is both nostalgic and downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s an all-time favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Irresistibly creamy and cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a luscious base that’s bursting with flavor.
Quick and simple to prepare: With just a few pantry staples, this casserole comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Crunchy topping for texture contrast: The buttery cracker topping adds a delightful crisp that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Versatile and customizable: Feel free to add veggies like peas or broccoli, or swap cheeses to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy, layered casserole. The bottom layer is a soft, white mixture that looks like cooked shredded chicken mixed with a creamy sauce. Above this is a layer of crunchy, golden brown pieces covered with melted cheddar cheese that has a bright orange hue. Scattered green slices of scallion are on top, adding fresh color. A golden spoon is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the creamy inside with bits of crunchy topping. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole recipe, easy chicken casserole, comfort food casserole, creamy chicken bake

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe features simple yet essential ingredients that come together in harmony to deliver richness, texture, and that classic homey taste. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy cheeses blending perfectly with the tender chicken, to the crunchy cracker topping that gives this dish its signature finish.

Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, slivered almonds, thinly sliced green onions, and crushed buttery crackers, all beautifully arranged with fresh parsley sprigs placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole recipe, easy chicken casserole, comfort food casserole, creamy chicken bake

Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a breeze and packed with flavor, but any cooked chicken works well here.
Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise: These create the silky and tangy base that makes this casserole so decadent.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: Cheddar offers sharpness while mozzarella adds melty creaminess.

Slivered almonds: They add a nutty crunch that surprises and delights.
Buttery crackers: Use Ritz-style for that perfect crispy topping with a rich buttery note.
Green onions and seasonings: These bring fresh flavor and subtle zest to balance the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until you get a smooth, creamy mixture — this silky base is what will tie the whole casserole together and give it that dreamy texture.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Mix-Ins

Next, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse your base with savory depth. Gently fold in your shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, mozzarella cheese, slivered almonds, and thinly sliced green onions until everything is evenly combined. This step is where the magic happens, as all those textures and flavors come together.

Step 3: Assemble the Topping

In a small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crackers are evenly moistened. This topping will add a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and nutty almonds inside. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the buttery cracker topping on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

The dish shows two servings of a creamy casserole on white speckled plates, each with three clear layers: the bottom layer is white creamy filling mixed with shredded light-colored meat, the middle layer is a melted yellow-orange cheese, and the top layer is a crunchy mixture of small golden crumbs and bits, sprinkled with some green herbs. A black fork with a gold tip rests on the plate in front, slightly lifting part of the casserole, revealing the soft texture inside. The setting includes some scattered green herbs on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl holding chopped green herbs and a few round crackers nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole recipe, easy chicken casserole, comfort food casserole, creamy chicken bake

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top just before serving to brighten the dish visually and taste-wise. These fresh garnishes add the perfect light contrast to the rich, creamy casserole, making each bite a balanced delight.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus to balance the richness. A simple fruit salad or even roasted root vegetables can also round out the meal beautifully, adding freshness and variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties, or turn the casserole into handheld bites by baking in mini muffin tins—perfect for game-day snacks or casual get-togethers. You can also create layers in a clear casserole dish to showcase all the gorgeous textures and colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm up portions in the microwave or oven, and you’ll find it retains its creamy goodness and satisfying crunch with just a little reheating care.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully before baking. Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, add the cracker topping, and bake as usual for fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy topping, while microwave reheating is quicker but may make the cracker topping softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this casserole?

Absolutely! Dark meat chicken like thighs adds extra moisture and flavor, making your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe even more succulent. Just ensure they’re cooked thoroughly and shredded before mixing in.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with an equal amount of mascarpone or a blend of ricotta and a little sour cream to maintain that creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas. Adding extra cheese and some steamed broccoli makes for a rich, satisfying vegetarian casserole that stays true to the creamy, cheesy spirit of the original.
How do I keep the cracker topping crunchy after baking?

To keep that topping crisp, be sure to evenly coat the crackers in melted butter before baking, and avoid covering the casserole tightly while warm to prevent steam buildup. Serving soon after baking is best to enjoy the full crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish like this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy, buttery perfection that just feels like coming home. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own favorite comfort food; it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone around the table with smiles and hungry appetites.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe