Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole—just hearing the name conjures images of comfort food elevated to an art form, a dish so famously decadent and wonderfully satisfying that it has earned a legendary status. Imagine a rich, creamy, and undeniably luxurious chicken casserole that perfectly balances savory flavors with an almost irresistible texture. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a culinary icon that reportedly sprang from the upscale kitchens of a renowned department store, or at least from the desire to recreate that same level of indulgence at home, making it a beloved staple for countless families.

I’m thrilled to guide you through crafting this extraordinary dish, which has become a go-to for its sheer deliciousness and ease of preparation. People adore this casserole not only for its melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken and velvety sauce but also for its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that feels incredibly comforting on a chilly evening, yet elegant enough to grace a dinner party table. The enduring popularity of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole lies in its promise of a fuss-free cooking experience that consistently delivers on flavor, making it a cherished favorite for weeknight dinners and celebratory gatherings alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total), or equivalent amount of cooked chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if pan-cooking chicken)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
• For the Creamy Base:
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (full-fat recommended for best flavor and texture)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Mix-ins:
  • 1 cup finely diced celery (about 2 stalks)
  • 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• For the Topping:
  • 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed (approximately 1.5 cups crushed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparing the Chicken for Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:

1. Choose Your Method: First things first, we need to get our chicken ready for this glorious Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. You have a few excellent options here. My personal favorite, and what I’ll detail for you, is cooking the chicken breasts fresh. However, if you’re in a pinch, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic shortcut – just shred or dice about 3-4 cups of meat.
2. Pan-Cooking (Recommended): If starting with raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, begin by patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear and prevents the chicken from steaming. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. To be absolutely sure, an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The goal here isn’t just to cook the chicken, but to develop some lovely flavor that will permeate the entire casserole.
3. Boiling (Alternative Method): For a more hands-off approach, you can boil your chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover them with cold water, adding a pinch of salt and any desired aromatics like bay leaves or a half onion. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through to 165°F (74°C). While this method yields tender chicken, it won’t give you the same depth of flavor as pan-searing.
4. Cool and Shred/Dice: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan or pot and allow it to rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken. After resting, you can either shred the chicken using two forks or dice it into bite-sized pieces. I prefer a mix of both for interesting texture in my Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – some shredded for tenderness and some diced for substance. Aim for approximately 3-4 cups of cooked chicken. Set aside while we prepare the creamy base.

Crafting the Creamy Heart of Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:

5. Gather Your Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of condensed soup: cream of chicken and cream of mushroom. These two soups are the backbone of the casserole, providing a rich, savory foundation. Don’t worry if you’re not usually a fan of mushroom soup; its flavor mellows wonderfully and blends seamlessly into the overall profile, contributing to that signature “Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole” taste.
6. Add the Dairy and Seasonings: Next, add the entire 8-ounce container of sour cream to the soup mixture. The sour cream is vital for lending a delightful tang and an incredible creaminess that balances the richness of the soups. Pour in the 1/2 cup of whole milk; this will help thin the mixture just enough to make it spreadable and prevent it from becoming overly thick during baking. Then, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. The Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami depth that elevates all the other flavors without being overtly noticeable.
7. Whisk Until Smooth: Using a whisk, vigorously stir all these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. There shouldn’t be any lumps from the sour cream or streaks of undiluted soup. Take your time with this step; a well-blended base is key to a consistently delicious Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This creamy concoction is where all the magic starts to happen!

Bringing it All Together: Chicken, Vegetables, and Cheese:

8. Incorporate the Chicken: Now, add your prepared chicken (shredded or diced) to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold it in, ensuring that every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. You want the chicken to be evenly distributed so that every bite of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers that satisfying combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce.
9. Add the Freshness and Crunch: Next up, stir in the finely diced celery and the drained, coarsely chopped water chestnuts. The celery provides a wonderful, subtle freshness and a slight crunch, while the water chestnuts are truly special here. Their unique crisp-tender texture stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce, offering a delightful contrast that is characteristic of a classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Don’t be tempted to skip the water chestnuts; they are a textural game-changer!
10. Fold in the First Round of Cheese: Finally, add 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture. Gently fold it in until just combined. This cheese will melt into the base during baking, adding an extra layer of savory, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese for later, as it will be used for the top layer.

Preparing the Signature Cracker Topping:

11. Preheat Your Oven: Before we assemble the casserole, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when the casserole goes in, it starts cooking immediately and bakes evenly.
12. Crush the Ritz Crackers: Now for the famous topping! Place the entire sleeve of Ritz crackers into a large zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, carefully crush the crackers until they are finely crumbled. You want a consistent, sandy texture – not powder, but no large chunks either. The buttery, slightly salty nature of Ritz crackers is absolutely essential for the iconic flavor and crisp texture of this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole topping. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can also pulse them briefly in a food processor, being careful not to turn them into dust.
13. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted, or gently on the stovetop over low heat.
14. Combine Crackers and Butter: Pour the melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers in your zip-top bag (or in a separate bowl if you prefer). Seal the bag (if using) and gently shake and massage it, or stir with a spoon, until all the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened with the butter. This buttery coating is what will give the topping its incredible golden-brown color and irresistible crunch when baked. It’s a key component that really defines the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole experience.

The Grand Assembly and Baking of Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:

15. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This simple step ensures that your magnificent Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
16. Layer the Casserole: Pour the entire chicken and creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it out evenly to form a smooth, consistent layer. You want the thickness to be uniform so that it cooks through evenly.
17. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the creamy chicken mixture. This layer of cheese directly beneath the cracker topping will melt into a gooey, savory blanket, adding another dimension of flavor and texture to your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
18. Apply the Cracker Topping: Finally, carefully and evenly scatter the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the layer of cheese. Try to get a consistent layer across the entire surface. This is the pièce de résistance, promising a delightful crunch with every forkful.
19. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. You’re looking for signs that the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is piping hot and bubbling around the edges, and that the cracker topping has achieved a beautiful, golden-brown hue and appears crispy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
20. Rest Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for casseroles, as it allows the internal temperature to equalize and the creamy sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops and preventing a runny mess. It also ensures every ingredient has a chance to fully meld together.
21. Serve and Enjoy: Slice your homemade Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole into generous portions and serve hot. This rich, comforting dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Prepare for rave reviews, as this casserole truly lives up to its legendary reputation for deliciousness!

Tips for the Ultimate Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of adding the cracker topping) a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping, and you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole (again, without the cracker topping), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the topping and bake as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
• Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is traditional for this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a Colby-Jack blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up (or Down): If you like a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the creamy base. For a milder flavor, ensure your black pepper is freshly ground for the best aroma without too much heat.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to customize your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms (sautéed first to remove excess moisture), or even frozen peas added at the end of the cooking process for a pop of color and freshness.
• Preventing a Soggy Topping: The key to a crispy topping is ensuring the crackers are evenly coated in butter and baked until golden brown. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated. If storing leftovers, the topping might soften slightly, but a quick re-crisp in a toaster oven can work wonders.

Storage and Reheating:

Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until bubbly and hot, usually around 20-30 minutes. Be mindful that the cracker topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will remain absolutely delightful. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and a staple for comforting family meals!

Conclusion:

As we reach the end of our culinary journey with this incredible dish, I sincerely hope you’re feeling as inspired and excited as I am about what we’ve just explored. This isn’t just another chicken casserole; it’s a truly special, comforting, and undeniably elegant meal that truly lives up to its reputation. What makes it a must-try, in my humble opinion, is its perfect harmony of textures and flavors – creamy, tender chicken mingling with a rich, savory sauce, all crowned with a delightful, buttery, and slightly crisp topping. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, elicits satisfied sighs around the dinner table, and leaves everyone feeling wonderfully nourished and content. There’s a reason certain recipes become legendary, and I genuinely believe the magic of this particular creation lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something utterly extraordinary. It’s a testament to the fact that comfort food can also be incredibly sophisticated and memorable.

I find immense joy in cooking recipes that offer both ease and impressive results, and this one absolutely hits the mark. It’s robust enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner, yet refined enough to be the star of a special occasion or a potluck gathering. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces when they take their first bite! The preparation might seem elaborate at first glance, but I promise you, each step contributes to the depth and complexity that makes this casserole so utterly irresistible. It’s a culinary experience that stays with you, not just because of its incredible taste, but because of the warmth and satisfaction it brings to those you share it with. It’s a dish that truly nourishes the soul as much as it fills the stomach, making it a staple in my own kitchen and, I hope, soon in yours too.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing this already perfect meal. When it comes to serving, a simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a fantastic companion, cutting through the richness beautifully and adding a refreshing counterpoint. Don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to sop up every last drop of that glorious sauce – you won’t want to waste a bit! For a slightly heartier side, roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or even a medley of roasted root vegetables can complement the dish wonderfully. If you’re hosting, consider a delicate white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to truly elevate the dining experience. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling cider or homemade iced tea would be lovely. The presentation itself can be kept simple; the casserole’s golden-brown crust and bubbling interior are beautiful enough on their own. Just a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving can add a pop of color and freshness.

One of the beautiful aspects of home cooking is the freedom to personalize, and this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out some of the traditional cheddar for a sharper Gruyère or a creamy Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. If you want to sneak in more vegetables, feel free to add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or finely diced carrots to the chicken mixture; just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce in the chicken mixture can add a subtle kick. If you’re looking to simplify, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. For those with dietary considerations, gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers can easily be substituted, and for a dairy-free version, look for suitable plant-based cream of chicken alternatives and dairy-free cheese options. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe truly your own! Experimentation in the kitchen is where some of the best culinary discoveries are made, and I encourage you to play with the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. Perhaps you’ll find a new topping combination you adore, or a spice blend that makes it uniquely yours.

So, there you have it – my earnest recommendation for a dish that promises to deliver on flavor, comfort, and undeniable satisfaction. Please, I implore you, clear your schedule, gather your ingredients, and give the incredible Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a try in your own kitchen this week. I am absolutely confident that it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire, a go-to for those moments when you need a truly comforting and impressive meal. The aroma alone as it bakes will be enough to get everyone excited! Once you’ve experienced its magic, I would absolutely love to hear about it. Please don’t hesitate to share your experiences, your unique twists, your serving successes, or even a photo of your masterpiece in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire me and fellow home cooks immensely. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!