Irresistible Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in 15 Minutes

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole that’s been saving my weeknights and wowing my dinner guests for years! This creamy, dreamy dish is inspired by the legendary recipe from Neiman Marcus, but trust me—it’s way less fussy and just as delicious. Picture this: tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich, velvety sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crunch. I first tasted it at a friend’s potluck and begged for the recipe immediately. Now, it’s my go-to when I need something comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole never lets me down.

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This isn’t just any chicken casserole—it’s the kind of dish that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds!). Here’s why it’s a forever favorite:

• Weeknight superhero: Throw it together in 15 minutes flat—even faster if you cheat with rotisserie chicken like I sometimes do.
• Comfort in every bite: That creamy, cheesy sauce hugs every piece of chicken like a warm blanket.
• Crowd-pleaser magic: Works for picky kids, fancy dinner parties, and everything in between.
• Golden crunch: Buttery Ritz crackers take the top from good to “can’t-stop-eating-it” territory.
• Leftover dream: Tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left!

Seriously, this is the casserole you’ll make when you want applause without the hassle.

Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Okay, let’s gather the good stuff! The beauty of this casserole is how simple the ingredients are—you might already have most in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken works like a charm here, or use leftovers from last night’s roast.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – The creamy backbone of the dish. Don’t dilute it—straight from the can!
• 1 cup sour cream – Full-fat for maximum richness, though light works in a pinch.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but any melty cheese will do.
• 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk makes it extra luscious, but 2% is fine too.
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers – About 1 sleeve, crushed into buttery crumbs.
• 2 tbsp melted butter – For tossing with the crackers—don’t skip this golden magic!
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder – The dynamic duo for flavor depth.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you go—I always give an extra pinch of each.

See? Nothing fancy—just pantry staples that turn into something extraordinary.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Ready to make the casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s break it down step by step—it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Give it a quick grease with butter or cooking spray—this keeps everything from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it really well—you want every bit of chicken coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Trust me, this is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your greased dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layer is pure gold—it’s going to melt into gooey perfection.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery goodness over the cheese layer. It’ll bake into the most irresistible golden crust—you’ll be sneaking bites straight from the oven!

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving—this gives everything a chance to set up. Then, dig in and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Want to take this casserole to the next level? Here are my go-to tips for perfection every time:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend: It’s a total time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred it up and you’re good to go!
• Mix in veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, chopped carrots, or broccoli for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
• Season to taste: Don’t be shy with the garlic and onion powder—or add a pinch of paprika for a smoky twist.
• Double the topping: If you’re a Ritz cracker fanatic like me, go ahead and make extra buttered crumbs for an even crunchier top.

Variations for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Oh, the fun you can have with this casserole! Here are my favorite twists:

• Veggie-loaded: Stir in frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms—they disappear into the creamy sauce.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack for mildness or pepper Jack for a kick.
• Crunch alternatives: Swap Ritz for crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.
• Herb boost: Mix in fresh thyme or parsley for a bright finish.

The beauty? It’s endlessly adaptable—make it yours!

Serving Suggestions for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out:

• Crisp green salad: A simple mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Steamed veggies: Bright broccoli or green beans add color and crunch.
• Buttery rolls: For soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce—no shame!

Honestly? Sometimes I just grab a fork and dive right in. No judgment here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, confession time—I rarely have leftovers because we gobble this up! But if you do, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The topping loses some crunch, but the flavors just get better!
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to revive that crispy top.
• Freezing: Not ideal since creamy dishes can separate, but if you must, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Pro tip: Sprinkle fresh Ritz crumbs on reheated portions for that just-baked crunch!

Nutrition Information for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving, but remember—these are estimates. Your exact numbers may vary slightly depending on the brands and ingredients you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this casserole:

• Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! I do it all the time—it’s a total shortcut that adds amazing flavor. Just shred it up and toss it in.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Honestly, creamy dishes like this don’t freeze great—they can get watery. But if you must, freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
• What can I use instead of Ritz crackers? Try crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a fun twist!
• Can I make it ahead? You bet! Assemble it (without baking) up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Still stumped? Drop your question below—I’m happy to help!

Share Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Experience

Did you make this casserole? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, snap a photo, or tag me on social—everyone deserves to know about this creamy, crunchy masterpiece!

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