Save It A rich and creamy baked chicken casserole inspired by the legendary Neiman Marcus recipe, featuring tender chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a buttery crispy topping.
I first tried making this casserole for a family dinner, hoping to recreate the signature Neiman Marcus flavor at home. It quickly became a requested favorite with its hearty filling and irresistible crunchy top.
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Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 3 cups, shredded or cubed
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Green onions: ½ cup, finely sliced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Buttery round crackers (e.g. Ritz): 1½ cups, crushed
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, melted
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Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cream Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth.
- Add Filling Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Assembly:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Crispy Topping:
- In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Topping:
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save It This dish has become a tradition for Sunday brunch at our home, bringing everyone to the table eager for second helpings. Even the crisp topping gets fought over!
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Make It Your Own
Switch out the chicken for turkey, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. For a spicy kick, mix in a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
What to Serve With
Pair with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or fluffy rice. A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Info
Each serving delivers about 480 calories, 33 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein—making for a satisfying meal that fills you up.
Save It
Bake this crowd-pleasing casserole for your next gathering and watch it disappear. The crispy cracker topping is truly irresistible!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Cooked chicken breast, either shredded or cubed, works best to provide tender, flavorful protein that melds well with the creamy base.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh just before serving to maintain the crispy topping texture.
- → What is the purpose of the crushed crackers topping?
The buttery crushed crackers create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling beneath.
- → Are there any suggested substitutions for the cheeses used?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide sharpness and depth, but Gruyere or mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor profile.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Incorporate smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling to introduce a subtle smoky or spicy dimension.
- → What side dishes complement this main dish?
Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness with light, crisp flavors.