6 Ingredients to the Legendary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole!
Table of Contents
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Looking for a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it came from a luxury department store café? The legendary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is your answer! This iconic dish combines simple pantry staples to create a creamy, comforting meal that’s become a cult classic for good reason. With just 6 ingredients and minimal prep time, this DailyMeatRecipe favorite delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this crowd-pleasing casserole will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients Of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 4 cups (about 1 rotisserie chicken) |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Butter crackers (like Ritz), crushed | 1½ sleeves (about 45 crackers) |
| Butter, melted | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Poppy seeds | 2 tablespoons |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 29g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
| Potassium | 5% DV |
| Vitamin A | 12% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 8 servings.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until well mixed and all chicken is coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed butter crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds until the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture, creating a complete layer on top.
- Bake to perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.
Helpful Tips
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6-8
Temperature Notes
- Bake at 350°F (175°C)
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety (though with pre-cooked chicken, this is mainly to ensure it’s heated through)
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal
- Steamed green beans or broccoli make excellent vegetable sides
- For a heartier meal, serve with wild rice or egg noodles
- Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- No rotisserie chicken? Use any cooked chicken—leftover roasted, poached, or even canned chicken works
- Cream of mushroom soup can replace cream of chicken for a different flavor
- Greek yogurt is a tangy substitute for sour cream
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes
- Sesame seeds can replace poppy seeds if preferred
- Low-fat versions of the soup and sour cream work well for those watching calories
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking:
- Before baking: Assemble but don’t bake, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- After baking: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
What’s the history behind this casserole?
While called the “Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole,” this dish wasn’t actually on the menu at the famous department store’s café. It gained popularity through community cookbooks and word of mouth, earning its luxurious name thanks to its rich, indulgent taste despite simple ingredients—much like the famous Neiman Marcus cookie recipe that circulated through early internet chains.
How can I make this casserole more substantial?
To transform this into an even heartier one-dish meal, try adding 1 cup cooked rice or 1½ cups cooked egg noodles to the chicken mixture. You can also add ½ cup each of diced celery and onion (sautéed until soft) and ½ cup frozen peas for added vegetables and texture.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Even Better
Want to elevate this classic recipe? At DailyMeatRecipe, we’ve found that adding 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker topping creates an amazing flavor boost! For a touch of brightness, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the chicken mixture.
Give this legendary 6-ingredient Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments section! We’d love to hear about your family’s reaction to this simple yet satisfying classic.
