Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, & Crowd-Pleasing

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is your next best excuse to break out the stretchy pants. This creamy, cheesy, and downright dreamy casserole starts with the iconic flavor combo of chicken, cream cheese, and sour cream, then throws in melty cheddar and finishes with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that’s honestly good enough to steal the show.

Whether you’re juggling picky eaters, running on fumes after work, or planning your next family get-together, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole meets you where you’re at: hungry and short on time. Best part? It’s easy to make and even easier to love. The comforting richness feels fancy enough for a holiday potluck but is just as welcome on a Tuesday night. And if you’re wondering about the name—yes, it was inspired by the luxe department store’s signature chicken salad, but trust me, this baked version is next level.

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What is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a rich and indulgent baked dish that combines classic comfort with just a touch of elegance. Think of it as your grandma’s chicken casserole… dressed up and ready for dinner with the ladies. It features tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, all swirled into one creamy base, then packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. What really takes this over the top is the golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that gives every bite the perfect amount of crunch.

This casserole has been floating around Southern kitchens for years and is often tied back to the fancy Neiman Marcus chicken salad. But let’s be honest, this version? Way more satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for your family or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole earns rave reviews without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Reasons to Try Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Why should Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole make it onto your weeknight rotation or Sunday supper list? First of all, it’s ridiculously easy—we’re talking 15 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest. It’s also versatile, which is a blessing if your house includes toddlers who inspect dinner like it’s a mystery box challenge. Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have: chicken (leftover or rotisserie works wonders), cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, mayo… pantry staples.

It’s also a serious crowd-pleaser. I mean, buttery Ritz crackers baked on top of creamy chicken? Who’s saying no to that? Bonus: it’s great for meal prepping. Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunch the next day. And if you’re into swaps and add-ins (like tossing in some broccoli or mushrooms), this casserole is forgiving and flexible.

Ingredients Needed to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie is perfect)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is easier than you think—and this step by step guide will walk you through the process like we’re cooking together in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to casseroles or just want a reliable method, these detailed instructions are here to make things smooth, simple, and delicious.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start your journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven plenty of time to reach the right temperature while you prep everything else.

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup way easier. If you’re curious about which type of dish works best for baked meals like this, check out our tips in the Simple Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef article, where we also talk about pan types and prep shortcuts.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. This trifecta is the heart of the casserole—it brings all the creamy, tangy richness that makes the dish irresistible.

Add in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything until it’s smooth and fluffy. If you’ve ever tried our Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, you know how essential this creamy base is to getting that luscious texture right.

Pro Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to avoid clumps.

Step 3: Fold in the Chicken, Cheese, and Green Onions

Once your base is smooth, it’s time to fold in the flavor. Gently stir in your 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie works great), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of sliced green onions.

Make sure every piece of chicken gets well coated—this ensures even flavor throughout. Stir just until everything looks evenly mixed. Over-mixing at this point can make the texture a bit too dense.

If you’re looking to make this more nutritious or veggie-packed, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli. Our Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole offers some great examples of how to sneak in more veggies without losing comfort-food vibes.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish and Spread Evenly

Now pour the chicken mixture into your greased casserole dish. Use a spatula or the back of your spoon to spread it into an even layer.

Try to avoid any big air pockets—an even spread means consistent baking and a prettier finish on top.

This is also a good moment to pause and double-check: do you need to adjust your seasoning? A quick taste (yes, it’s safe before baking!) can help you decide if it needs more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a medium bowl, mix 2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated and glossy. This combo becomes the ultimate buttery, crunchy topping when baked—it’s what sets Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole apart.

Want an extra-crispy result? Toast the cracker crumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding butter. That trick works wonders in casseroles like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, too.

Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Don’t skimp—this is the crunchy crown on your creamy base.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly edge and a golden-brown top that looks just shy of toasted.

If you’re not sure it’s done, gently press a spoon into the center—if it springs back and the top is crackly, it’s ready.

If your oven runs hot or you’re using a glass dish, start checking around the 22-minute mark. Every oven has its own personality!

Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once your casserole is done, take it out and resist the urge to dive in right away (we know, it smells amazing). Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to set. This helps everything firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

During this time, you can whip up a quick side salad or warm up a veggie dish—our Healing Cabbage Soup makes a surprisingly good light side!

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Cut into squares or scoop with a large spoon. Serve it hot and fresh from the pan. Optional but tasty: sprinkle a few extra green onions or parsley on top for a fresh finish.

And there you have it—Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, made easy with a reliable step by step method. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for a potluck, this dish brings smiles to the table. Looking for more creamy comfort food ideas? Try this cozy Easy Tuna Casserole for another quick, creamy favorite.

What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is rich, so you’ll want sides that balance it out. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette pairs perfectly and cuts through the creaminess. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans are also a win—they add a little charred flavor that contrasts beautifully. If you’re looking for a classic combo, serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or some crusty bread to mop up the cheesy sauce. You can also keep it light and low-carb with something like Low-Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole. Oh, and don’t forget a cold glass of sweet tea or white wine. You’re not doing this halfway, right?

Key Tips for Making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken – It saves time and packs in flavor. Just shred it and toss it in.
2. Let Ingredients Soften – Softened cream cheese mixes smoother. Nobody wants cold cheese chunks.
3. Crunchier Topping? – Toast the crushed Ritz crackers in a dry skillet before mixing with butter.
4. Add Veggies – Feel free to sneak in some broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for color and nutrients.
5. Make Ahead – You can prep the whole thing earlier in the day and bake when ready.
6. Don’t Skip the Rest Time – Let it sit before serving; it helps set the casserole for cleaner slices.
7. Try Different Cheeses – Sharp cheddar is classic, but Swiss or pepper jack also bring great flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Then transfer to an airtight container or just cover the baking dish tightly with foil. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion it out into freezer-safe containers—it’ll last about 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or pop the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until warmed through. If the topping lost its crunch, sprinkle on a little extra crushed Ritz and bake uncovered for a few extra minutes. Want more reheating tips? Check out how we handle Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but fresh or rotisserie chicken has better texture and flavor.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not as written—Ritz crackers contain gluten. But swap in GF buttery crackers and you’re good to go.

Can I prep it the night before?
Absolutely! Just assemble it all (minus the cracker topping), cover, refrigerate, then top and bake the next day.

Can I double the recipe?
Yup! Just use a bigger pan or two casserole dishes.

What’s a good cheese substitute?
Try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of Swiss and sharp cheddar for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the dish you didn’t know you needed until now. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or just need something cozy after a long day, this casserole delivers. With just the right amount of crunch, creaminess, and cheesy goodness, it hits the sweet spot between indulgence and simplicity. Try it once, and it might just earn a regular spot in your meal plan. And if you’re still hungry for more dinner inspiration, don’t miss our Best Tuna Casserole or this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole for more comfort food faves.

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