If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the ultimate dish to try. This classic casserole combines tender chicken with rich sour cream, melted cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
What Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Despite its fancy name, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a simple and hearty baked chicken dish inspired by the famous Neiman Marcus department store’s recipe. It features cooked chicken mixed with creamy ingredients like sour cream and condensed soup, blended with vegetables and topped with a golden, crunchy crust of breadcrumbs and cheese.
Key Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast
- Sour cream (adds creaminess and tang)
- Condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Vegetables such as corn or peas (optional)
- Breadcrumbs (for the crunchy topping)
- Melted butter (to mix with breadcrumbs)
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you begin assembling the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step is crucial to ensure even baking and a perfectly golden crust. A properly preheated oven allows the casserole to cook through thoroughly, melt the cheese evenly, and achieve that signature bubbly, golden-brown topping.
🔥 Pro Tip: Always give your oven at least 10–15 minutes to fully preheat before placing the dish inside. Using an oven thermometer can help you ensure accuracy, especially for casseroles that rely on exact baking temperatures for best texture.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, sour cream, condensed soup (such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken), and your choice of vegetables like corn or peas. Then, add half of the shredded cheese and gently fold all ingredients together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
This creamy base is what gives the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole its rich and indulgent texture.
🧀 Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for better meltability and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the casserole’s creaminess.
At this stage, feel free to season the filling with a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or a touch of paprika to enhance the depth of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter, olive oil, or non-stick cooking spray. By doing this, stickiness is avoided and cleanup after baking is made simpler. Once greased, evenly spread the chicken mixture into the dish, using a spatula to smooth out the top for consistent baking.
🍽️ Pro Tip:Before greasing the baking dish, lightly press a clove of garlic on the sides and bottom to provide another layer of flavor. This adds a subtle garlic aroma to your casserole.
Make sure the mixture is well-distributed and reaches all corners of the pan—this helps ensure every portion has a balanced ratio of chicken, sauce, and cheese.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining shredded cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully coated—this mixture will form the golden, crunchy crust that sets Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole apart.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb-cheese topping over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered for a crispy, flavorful finish in every bite.
🧈 Pro Tip: Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for a richer, savory topping.
This layer not only adds texture but also seals in the creaminess of the filling while baking, making each spoonful perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 5–10 minutes—the topping should be crisp and lightly browned, but not burnt. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the remaining time.
⏱️ Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, switch to the broil setting for the last 2–3 minutes of baking—but watch closely to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Use a spatula to scoop out generous portions, making sure to get both the creamy filling and the crispy topping in every serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread or rice on the side
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even casual dinner parties. Its comforting flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying crunch make it a go-to favorite for all ages.
🍽️ Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. Simply bake it the next day when ready to serve—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Simple to Prepare: Uses common pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep time.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures make it irresistibly delicious.
- Versatile: You can easily customize by adding your favorite vegetables or changing the cheese.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Expert Tips for Perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overload on sour cream to keep the casserole creamy but not heavy.
- Toast the breadcrumbs slightly before mixing with butter to enhance crunchiness.
- Add herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and loved by many. Whether you’re new to cooking casseroles or a seasoned home chef, this recipe guarantees a delicious, creamy, and crunchy dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Condensed Soup Reference
“Combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, and condensed soup (like Cream of Chicken Soup from Campbell’s)…”
