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.
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
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!
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.