Origin and Cultural Significance
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a legendary dish that gained popularity after being featured in Neiman Marcus cafés, where elegant comfort food met upscale dining. Known for its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavors, it quickly became a household favorite as home cooks replicated it. Casseroles themselves have a long tradition in American cuisine, symbolizing family-style meals and potluck comfort. This particular recipe reflects mid-century dining trends where indulgence and elegance were combined in simple baked dishes. Today, it is celebrated as a hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
This casserole is made with tender chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a rich, creamy base. A buttery cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth filling. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth of flavor, while sharp cheddar cheese balances the creaminess with a tangy bite. The dish is the perfect blend of indulgent textures—creamy, cheesy, and crispy. Its luxurious flavor makes it feel both homestyle and restaurant-worthy.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe (Copycat) – Creamy Chicken Bake with Cheese & Crunchy Topping
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole copycat recipe recreates the iconic dish in your own kitchen. Juicy shredded chicken is combined with a creamy sauce of soup, sour cream, and cheese, then baked with a buttery cracker topping until golden and bubbling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The casserole is hearty, comforting, and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll see why it remains such a beloved recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cook chicken breasts until tender, then shred with a fork. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
4. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown topping.
6. Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Note
Hot Dish Warning: The casserole will be extremely hot when removed from the oven—allow it to rest before serving.
Allergy Warning: Contains dairy (sour cream, cheese, butter) and gluten (crackers, soup). Use gluten-free crackers and dairy-free substitutes for modifications.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
