Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Love It

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

📌 Introduction: What is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just another comfort food dish—it’s a rich, creamy Southern icon. This luxurious yet easy-to-make bake features shredded chicken nestled in a velvety blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with a golden blanket of buttery crushed Ritz crackers. The result? A rich, decadent texture with the perfect contrast of creamy and crunchy in every bite.

🌟 Why Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Went Viral

Originally inspired by the elegant flavors served in the Zodiac Room of the upscale Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas, this dish took the internet by storm. It’s the kind of recipe that blends high-end flavor with accessible ingredients—a hallmark of Southern-style casseroles.

✅ Quick and easy to throw together
✅ Feeds a crowd—ideal for potlucks, holidays, or busy weeknights
✅ Stores and freezes beautifully, perfect for meal prep

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole exploded in popularity thanks to its reliability, rich texture, and irresistible flavor. It’s just as suitable for a family dinner as it is for entertaining guests.

🏡 Where Luxury Meets Homestyle Comfort

Despite its luxurious name, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole uses everyday staples found in most kitchens. You don’t need gourmet ingredients to achieve a five-star flavor. The creamy filling, savory chicken, and crispy topping combine to deliver the perfect harmony of comfort and indulgence.

If you enjoy nostalgic, satisfying meals like this one, you’ll love my Crispy Rice Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing—a bold, crunchy companion to creamy dishes like this casserole.

Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Love It

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is rich, creamy, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers! A Southern-inspired comfort food classic that’s easy to make and perfect for potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Stir well.
3. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour chicken mixture into baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with cracker mixture and optional bacon bits.
5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Cool and serve with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Southern American

🔪 What You’ll Need

Creating an ultra-comforting Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a breeze when you have the right tools and time-saving tricks up your sleeve. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday dinner or just need something creamy and satisfying on a weeknight, these essentials will help you streamline the process.

🛠️ Essential Kitchen Tools

Here are the must-have tools that make prep simple and baking stress-free:

• 🍽️ 9×13-inch baking dish – The ideal size for even cooking and feeding a crowd.
• 🥣 Large mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all your creamy filling ingredients.
• 🥄 Spatula or wooden spoon – To stir, fold, and spread the mixture evenly.
• 🧴 Cooking spray or butter – Prevents sticking and adds flavor when greasing the dish.
• 🧻 Aluminum foil (optional) – Use if baking ahead or covering the top to avoid over-browning.

✅ Tip: Lightly butter the dish instead of spray for extra richness and flavor!

⏳ Time-Saving Tips & Quick Prep

• 🏃‍♂️ Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for easy shredding—this shortcut gets your casserole in the oven in half the time.
• 🧼 Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending with the sour cream and soup.
• 💥 Crush Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin, or toss them into a food processor for a quick pulse.

Need another dinner option that’s equally satisfying and fast? Try this Italian Tuna Salad—it’s protein-packed, pantry-friendly, and pairs beautifully with lighter casseroles like this one.

🥘 Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Creating the ultimate Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole starts with high-quality ingredients that deliver both richness and crunch. This creamy, cheesy dish shines when you use full-fat dairy, fresh shredded cheese, and tender chicken. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Southern classic to life.

🔸 Main Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut, but any cooked, seasoned chicken breast or thigh will work.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For an ultra-creamy base. Softening ahead of time helps it blend smoothly.
• 1 cup sour cream – Full-fat for richness, but reduced-fat is fine for a lighter twist.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Adds savory depth and body.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Boosts flavor without overpowering.
• 1 tsp onion powder – For a subtle, rounded seasoning.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season gently; the soup and cheese already add saltiness.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is best for flavor.

✅ Pro Tip: Always shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

🔸 For the Buttery Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers) – Crushed into coarse crumbs for that signature crispy finish.
• 4 tbsp melted butter – Mix with the crumbs to create a golden, buttery topping.

✅ The topping is what sets this casserole apart—don’t skip it! That rich crunch is unforgettable.

🔸 Optional Garnishes (Highly Recommended!)

• 🧅 Chopped green onions – Adds a burst of freshness and color.
• 🥓 Crispy bacon bits – For a smoky, indulgent upgrade.
• 🟢 Frozen peas or chopped spinach – An easy way to sneak in veggies without changing the flavor.

This ingredient lineup gives Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole its beloved texture and crave-worthy flavor. Want another creamy-yet-balanced meal idea? Check out this Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche—it pairs perfectly with casseroles on brunch or lunch menus.

🍳 Instructions: How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This rich and creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole recipe comes together effortlessly in just three key steps. Whether you’re prepping dinner ahead or whipping it up last-minute, the process is smooth and satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps that turn basic pantry staples into irresistible Southern comfort food.

🔹 Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling

Start by preparing your creamy base. In a large mixing bowl:

• Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 can of cream of chicken soup until the texture is smooth and creamy.
• Mix in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Fold in 3 cups shredded cooked chicken and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until evenly coated.

✅ Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and can lead to a lumpy filling.

🔹 Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers with 4 tbsp melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
• Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the casserole in an even layer.

✅ Want even more melty goodness? Top with extra shredded cheddar before baking.

🔹 Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
• Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help the filling set and make portioning easier.

✅ Pro Tip: If the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Want to explore another baked comfort dish? Try this Ree Drummond Cap’n Crunch Chicken Strips—a crispy, sweet-savory twist that pairs beautifully with creamy meals like this casserole.

🥗 Nutrition Score

While Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is undoubtedly a rich and indulgent comfort food, it’s also surprisingly versatile when it comes to nutrition. Whether you’re aiming for full-flavor satisfaction or trying to lighten things up, this dish gives you plenty of room to adjust.

🔢 Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

(Based on 8 servings, using full-fat ingredients)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~24 oz
• Carbohydrates: ~18 oz
• Fat: ~32 oz
• Saturated Fat: ~13 oz
• Sugar: ~2 oz
• Fiber: ~1 oz
• Sodium: ~780 mg

⚠️ Note: Nutritional values vary based on brands and customizations like added veggies or bacon.

💡 How to Lighten Up Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

You can make this dish work for your health goals without giving up the creamy comfort that makes it special:

• 🥄 Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream – You’ll save on fat but keep the richness.
• 🧀 Try low-fat cheddar – Still melts beautifully with fewer calories.
• 🥬 Add vegetables – Stir in chopped spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for fiber and nutrients.
• 🌾 Keto-friendly? Swap crushed Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds to cut carbs and increase protein.

✅ Pro Tip: Use homemade shredded chicken to lower sodium levels and control seasoning.

Craving more healthy-meets-comfort recipes? Don’t miss this Falafel Sandwich—it’s high in protein, easy to make, and full of flavor.

🥡 Serving & Storage Tips

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal that shines both fresh out of the oven and days later as leftovers. Thanks to its creamy filling and hearty texture, it holds up beautifully whether you’re serving a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or freezing it for future comfort food cravings.

🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Because Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is rich, pairing it with something light or fresh creates a well-balanced meal. Here are a few delicious serving suggestions:

• 🥦 Steamed or roasted vegetables – Try green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a healthy crunch.
• 🥗 Crisp green salad – A tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
• 🍚 Rice or cauliflower rice – Acts as a satisfying, neutral base to soak up the creamy filling.
• 🥔 Mashed or roasted sweet potatoes – For a double comfort food combo.

✅ Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions before serving for a flavor and color boost.

Looking for a bright and satisfying side dish that plays well with this casserole? Try this Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwich—it brings zesty balance to creamy mains like this one.

🧊 Storing Leftovers the Right Way

Don’t let a single bite of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole go to waste. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

🧺 In the Refrigerator:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days.

❄️ In the Freezer:

• Freeze before baking or after it’s fully cooked and cooled.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container.
• Best used within 3 months for optimal texture and flavor.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re freezing after baking, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

🔥 Reheating Tips

• Oven (Best method): Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
• Microwave (Quickest): Reheat individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Note: the topping may lose its crispiness.

✅ Love a crispy topping? Sprinkle fresh Ritz cracker crumbs on top before reheating to bring back that signature crunch.

🔄 Variations of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

One of the best things about Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is how endlessly customizable it is. While the original recipe is deliciously rich and crowd-pleasing, sometimes you want to change things up—whether for dietary needs, flavor variety, or just fun! These easy and flavorful variations help you reinvent this creamy casserole without losing what makes it so special.

🥓 Add Bacon for Extra Richness

Want to elevate your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole to restaurant-level indulgence? Add bacon.

• Stir ½ cup crispy cooked bacon bits directly into the creamy filling before baking.
• Or sprinkle bacon on top after baking for a smoky, salty contrast against the creamy base.

✅ Pro Tip: Bacon and chopped green onions together create a flavor explosion in every bite.

🥦 Sneak in Some Veggies

Balance out the richness of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with a touch of color and nutrition:

• 1–2 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 1 cup sautéed spinach
• ½ cup frozen peas or diced carrots

✅ Tip: Lightly cook veggies first to avoid releasing too much moisture into the casserole.

🥣 Make It Mini for Parties or Meal Prep

Serve your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in individual portions:

• Spoon filling into ramekins or mini baking dishes.
• Top with cracker crumbs.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

✅ Ideal for meal prep, kids’ lunches, or dinner parties!

🌾 Keto-Friendly Crunch

Going low-carb? You can still enjoy the signature crunch:

• Use crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers.
• Or try a mix of almond flour and Parmesan cheese for a nutty, golden topping.

✅ A guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole on keto.

🌶️ Add a Spicy Kick

If you love your casseroles with a little edge, spice up the creamy base:

• Add a dash of cayenne pepper, a few teaspoons of hot sauce, or even diced green chiles.

✅ Works great when paired with Southern favorites like this Slow Cooked Beef Bo Ssam with Pickles for a bold, flavorful dinner spread.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs: Your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Questions, Answered

🏁 Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Forever

If you’re searching for the ultimate creamy comfort food, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole checks every single box. From its velvety, cheesy interior to that buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish wraps you in warmth with every bite. It’s no wonder this Southern staple has become a viral favorite—simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and easy prep make it a weeknight winner and a weekend star.

💡 Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

• ✅ Quick and easy – Minimal prep time for maximum satisfaction
• ✅ Perfect for potlucks and holidays – Always leaves plates clean
• ✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – Stress-free cooking at its best
• ✅ Fully customizable – Add bacon, veggies, or spice for your own twist

Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a comforting dish to a friend in need, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is pure nostalgic magic. It’s creamy, golden, and endlessly flexible.

Need another flavor-packed comfort recipe that pairs perfectly with creamy dishes? Try this Honey Soy Glazed Salmon with Oranges—a sweet and savory balance to rich casseroles.

💬 Let’s Hear From You!

Have you made Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

📸 Snap a photo and tag me on social media!
🍴 What twist did you add—bacon, broccoli, or a kick of spice?
📝 Leave a comment below and share your favorite way to serve it!

Bring a little Southern comfort to your table—this classic is guaranteed to become a household favorite.