Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Serves: 6
• Budget-Friendly: Yes
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes
• Freezer-Friendly: Yes
• Best For: Weeknight dinners, potlucks, leftovers

Ingredients and Budget Swaps

• Sleeve Ritz Crackers – This buttery topping is classic, but any round buttery cracker works.
• Butter, melted – Adds richness to the mixture. We used unsalted butter
• Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but leftover baked chicken or boiled chicken works just as well.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Store-brand works perfectly, or use homemade to cut costs.
• Sour Cream  – Full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but plain Greek yogurt works as a budget-friendly swap.
• Garlic Powder – Simple seasoning that gives big flavor
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – For the best taste, use freshly shredded cheese
• Green Onions – Chop into thinly sliced pieces
• Slivered Almonds – Optional and traditional, but easily skipped if you don’t keep them on hand.
• Bacon – Adds flavor, but you can reduce the amount or omit to save money.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole 

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 

Step 1 – In a small bowl, gently stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Set aside.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, combine the tender chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, shredded cheese, green onions, slivered almonds (if using) and chopped bacon. Mix until all the ingredients are combined. 

Step 3 – Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4 – Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden perfection and the casserole starts to bubble. 

Step 5 – Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!  

Tips for Success

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely
• Don’t overmix the filling — gentle mixing keeps it creamy
• Reserve some bacon and green onions for topping right before serving
• If crackers brown too fast, loosely tent with foil

Variations & Substitutions

• No Bacon: Skip it for a simpler version
• Extra Veggies: Add frozen peas, mushrooms, broccoli, or chopped celery
• Different Cheese: Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar or Colby work great
• Crunch Swap: Use crushed cornflakes or butter crackers

What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This casserole is rich, so lighter sides balance it perfectly.

• Simple Green Salad
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Assemble without the cracker topping, freeze up to 2 months covered with plastic wrap and aluminum foil
• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through. Add topping fresh if frozen. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.