Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is what I make when I want to impress without stressing. Tender chicken folded into a creamy filling with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon, then topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that bakes golden and crunchy. Every bite is rich, savory, and the kind of comfort food that earns serious compliments.

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It’s my go-to for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings when I want a main dish that looks and tastes like I went all out without spending hours in the kitchen. It is easy to make ahead, holds up beautifully for gifting and sharing, and reheats perfectly without drying out. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Here’s how I put this casserole together from start to finish, with a few tips tucked in along the way to help everything come out perfectly.

Preheat and Prep the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole releases cleanly when you go to serve it. Getting this done first means you’re not scrambling once the filling is ready.

Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.

The cream cheese needs to be fully softened before you start, so pull it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes beforehand. You can also switch to light cream cheese for a lower-fat option.

Fold In the Chicken and Mix-Ins

Add the shredded chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon to the large bowl with the cream base. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly, too.

I use meat shredder claws to shred the cooked chicken easily, and a box grater for freshly shredded cheese that melts more beautifully than pre-shredded.

Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy chicken mixture. Take a moment to make sure the bacon and onions are distributed throughout so you get a little of everything in each spoonful.

Fill the Baking Dish

Spread the filling evenly into your prepared baking dish using a silicone spatula. Smooth out the top so the cracker topping has a flat, even surface to sit on and bake uniformly.

Make the Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter until all the crushed crackers are coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Press it down very gently so it adheres slightly without compacting it.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the buttery cracker topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on it toward the end so the topping doesn’t overbrown.

Rest and Garnish Before Serving

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This gives everything a chance to settle so it scoops out cleanly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the dish. Enjoy!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole travels really well, which is part of why it’s such a popular potluck dish. Let it cool slightly after baking, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a fitted silicone casserole lid to keep the heat in and the cracker topping protected.

If you’re transporting it in an insulated casserole carrier, it’ll stay warm for about an hour. For longer drives, you may reheat it covered at 325°F at your destination if possible until warmed through, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. It keeps well and tastes just as good the next day.

To reheat, place individual portions into a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through, or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The cracker topping will soften after freezing, so pop it into the oven uncovered for the last few minutes of reheating to bring back its golden crunch.

What to Serve With Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Since it’s creamy and rich in flavor, I like to balance it with something fresh and light on the side. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette works really well, as does a side of veggies like roasted green beans, sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or grilled asparagus.

Dinner rolls or buttery biscuits are also a natural pairing since they’re great for scooping up the creamy filling.

For a heartier spread, roasted sweet potatoes or a simple corn salad alongside rounds things out nicely. If you’re serving it at a gathering, a platter of fresh fruit on the side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy and gives guests something refreshing to reach for between bites.

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

Here are more easy casserole recipes perfect for potlucks and anytime you’re craving serious comfort food.

• Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Eggs Benedict Casserole
• Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
• French Onion Casserole
• Cabbage Casserole