Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a delightful comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. This creamy and cheesy dish is loaded with shredded chicken, Cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Its unique combination of flavors and textures, topped with buttery crackers for crunch, sets it apart from traditional casseroles. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just looking for a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of cheesy goodness, savory bacon, and crunchy almonds creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Dish: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday feasts; it’s suitable for various occasions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a single dish means less hassle when it comes to cleaning up after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: This is where all the magic happens! A proper casserole dish ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in measuring ingredients can make a big difference in the final flavor.
Ingredients
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish loaded with shredded chicken, Cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds, topped with buttery crackers for a crunchy finish.
Main 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 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
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce.
2. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl:
1. Mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter.
2. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in your preheated oven:
– Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow your casserole to cool slightly before serving. This will help set the layers and enhance the flavor experience.
Enjoy each bite of this comforting Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole!
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that can please a crowd. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Family Style
- Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal. This makes it easy for everyone to help themselves.
Individual Portions
- For a fancy touch, serve in individual ramekins. This presentation is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair with a light, fresh salad. A garden salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top each serving with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Alongside Crusty Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s great for scooping up every last bit of the creamy casserole.
How to Perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
To make sure your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor to your casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon – Bacon brings a smoky crunch that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level – Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Cover While Baking – If you find it browning too quickly, cover it with foil during baking until the last few minutes.
- Experiment with Cheese – Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
To complete your meal, consider pairing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with one of these delicious side dishes:
- Steamed Broccoli – A simple steamed broccoli adds color and balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with chicken casseroles.
- Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Roasted Asparagus – Lightly roasted asparagus brings an elegant touch and complements the flavors of the dish nicely.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob adds a fun, summery element that everyone loves.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers a nice textural contrast and can be made ahead of time.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans are a hearty side that works great with chicken dishes.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad loaded with vegetables can provide healthy fiber and nutrients alongside your casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that could hinder your dish from reaching its full potential.
- Skipping the Preheating: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden top.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect how well the casserole bakes and blends together.
- Overmixing the Filling: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the casserole dense instead of creamy and light.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the hot sauce or seasonings. They enhance the flavor of your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, making it more enjoyable.
- Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole special?
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is known for its creamy texture and rich flavors from cheese, chicken, and crispy bacon, creating a comforting meal everyone loves.
Can I customize my Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or swap out Cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavors.
How do I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole healthier?
You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. Adding more vegetables will also boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
What should I serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver and adds great flavor to your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Final Thoughts
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its creamy texture and delicious toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences; adding different vegetables or using various types of cheese can make each batch uniquely yours!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy dish that combines comfort and flavor, making it the ultimate family meal. This hearty casserole features tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a delightful mixture of Cheddar cheese and slivered almonds, all brought together in a luscious cream base. Topped with buttery, crunchy crackers, it creates a perfect balance of textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe promises to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, bacon, and slivered almonds until well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and spread evenly over the casserole mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
