Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Creamy Classic You’ll Make Again and AgainThere’s something irresistibly comforting about a creamy chicken bake bubbling in the oven, and the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole fits that craving perfectly. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish iconic, how it earned its name, and how to elevate it even further. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, you’ll get a satisfying and straightforward approach to recreating this luxurious casserole. Along the way, I’ll answer some burning questions like how this compares to million-dollar casseroles and the mystery behind “Nixon Chicken.” Stick around for a deeply satisfying recipe and rich background on this American classic.
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A Southern Legend, Straight from the Oven
A Favorite from My Table to Yours
The first time I made Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, I was chasing something warm, cheesy, and nostalgic after a long day. I’d heard the name tossed around in Southern kitchens and old cookbooks, and naturally, my curiosity—and appetite—led the way. My version was born one evening in my cozy kitchen, inspired by a trip to Dallas where Neiman Marcus was more than a store—it was a symbol of flair, flavor, and a touch of indulgence. What started as a way to use leftover chicken became a creamy, golden-topped masterpiece I’ve made dozens of times since.
This casserole isn’t fancy in technique, but it feels elegant in flavor. It balances rich sour cream and Cheddar with savory turkey bacon, crunchy slivered almonds, and a buttery cracker topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven. I remember serving it at a holiday potluck once—it vanished within minutes. A lady even asked if I could email her the “Neiman recipe.” That’s when I knew it had staying power.
And here’s the beauty: it’s easy. No fussy prep, no complicated steps. Just mix, pour, top, and bake. It’s a casserole that doesn’t just feed you—it wraps you in comfort. You can even make it ahead for a weeknight win or a lazy Sunday dinner. Compared to something like a Jalapeño Peach Chicken or Round Swamp Farm Chicken Salad, this one’s a warm hug baked in a dish.
So, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite—and I promise, once you make it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation.
What Makes the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Stand Out?
The Creamy Core
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole starts with a base of shredded cooked chicken. That makes it perfect for rotisserie leftovers or any baked breast meat you’ve prepped ahead. Then, cream of chicken soup and sour cream come in to create that unmistakable creamy texture. It’s simple, but the combination is bold and satisfying.
Add in shredded Cheddar cheese—two full cups to be exact. That’s the magic ratio that melts into every bite. It pulls together each ingredient, binding it in savory richness. A handful of sliced green onions adds just enough brightness to keep things balanced, while almonds offer a satisfying crunch.
To spice things up slightly, hot sauce (like Tabasco®) cuts through the richness. Don’t worry—it doesn’t make it spicy, just zesty. Finish the dish with crispy turkey bacon for saltiness and depth.
For more creamy comfort classics, you might also enjoy this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, which plays with similar savory profiles.
Buttery Crunch That Seals the Deal
A casserole is only as good as its topping. For the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, crushed buttery crackers—like Ritz—create a golden crown when mixed with melted butter. Once it hits the oven, the topping bakes to a crisp that’s as satisfying to bite as it is to see.
This contrast between creamy and crunchy makes the dish shine. It’s the perfect balance of textures. You’ll notice people scraping their plates to get every bit. Want a heartier twist? Add a layer of cooked pasta to the base before baking for a mashup that resembles a Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, but with poultry elegance.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole at Home
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco® or to taste
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the chicken, soup, sour cream, cheese, green onions, almonds, bacon, and hot sauce until fully combined. Pour into your prepared dish.
In a small bowl, stir the crushed crackers with the melted butter until coated. Spread the mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: Pair this casserole with a side of greens or even a bright salad to balance out the richness. Leftovers reheat like a dream.
Making It Even Better: Tips and Additions
Creative Twists on the Classic
If you’ve made Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a few times, try adding chopped jalapeños for kick or stirring in a can of green chiles for a Southwest edge. Another great addition? A small spoon of Dijon mustard—it cuts through the richness and brings brightness. These tricks are similar to the flavor layers found in dishes like Chicken and Gravy or Alice Springs Chicken.
Swapping out the almonds for crushed pecans or omitting them altogether is also fine—this casserole is forgiving and flexible.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
To make it a full meal, try pairing with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. A buttery biscuit wouldn’t hurt either. If you’re leaning casual, add a scoop of it into a baked potato and drizzle with extra sour cream. For lighter fare, serve with a side of fresh tomatoes or arugula salad.
This dish also freezes well. Simply prepare through assembly, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw and bake as directed.
Conclusion: The Comfort You’ll Keep Coming Back To
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, satisfying classic that brings people together. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals. With its rich texture, savory flavor, and just the right crunch on top, it earns a spot on any comfort food lover’s table.
If you’re into quick and delicious five-ingredient meals, you might also love this 5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta for a creamy, protein-packed twist.
Try it once, and you’ll understand why this casserole has become a go-to in kitchens across America.
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FAQs About Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
What is a million dollar chicken casserole?
It’s a rich, creamy casserole that combines shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese—similar to Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. However, the “million dollar” title usually comes from the cream cheese and a slightly sweeter taste profile.
What is a 5 ingredient chicken casserole?
That’s typically a stripped-down version using chicken, a condensed soup, cheese, and a basic topping—much like this 5-Ingredient Tater Tot Casserole. It’s fast and great for busy nights but may lack the rich complexity of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Why is it called Nixon chicken?
This name isn’t directly linked to this recipe, but Nixon Chicken is another old-school chicken casserole recipe popularized during the Nixon era, often involving sour cream and cheese—a 70s favorite that shares DNA with our casserole.
What can I add to chicken casserole to make it taste better?
Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, a splash of white wine, or spices like smoked paprika. For texture, roasted vegetables or chopped artichokes can add dimension. Hot sauce, as used in this recipe, also boosts flavor without heat.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Rich Flavor, Easy Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crackers, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a rich and comforting Southern favorite.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup slivered almonds
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce (like Tabasco), or to taste
1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, soup, sour cream, cheese, green onions, almonds, bacon, and hot sauce.
3. Pour mixture into the baking dish.
4. Stir crackers and melted butter in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy twist.
Omit almonds for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping, creamy casserole, chicken casserole, Chicken soup, sour cream, bacon, shredded chicken