Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and flavorful seasonings, topped with a buttery cracker crust for a delightful crunchy finish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines rich textures and savory flavors for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper thoroughly.
- Combine Chicken and Cheeses: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, slivered almonds, and thinly sliced green onions until everything is evenly combined.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are uniformly moistened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the top to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Bake Again: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven once melted. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture in the casserole filling.
- Rotisserie chicken works best for flavor and convenience, but any cooked chicken is acceptable.
- Do not skip the buttery cracker topping to ensure a satisfying crunchy contrast to the creamy filling; Ritz crackers provide an ideal buttery flavor.
- Bake the casserole until edges are actively bubbling and the topping is golden to ensure the center is hot and cooked perfectly.
- For make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake when ready.
- Freeze the casserole before baking for best texture; thaw overnight, add topping, and then bake as directed.
- Optional add-ins like peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be folded in without diluting the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
