Description

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust and slivered almonds. This comforting casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck, delivering a satisfying mix of textures and savory flavors.

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)

Garnish (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make 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 black pepper until well combined.
Combine main filling: Fold in the cooked chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella, slivered almonds, and sliced green onions to the creamy mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
Prepare cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly moistened.
Assemble casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake first stage: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and extra sliced green onions before serving for a fresh finish.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for smooth blending and creamy texture.
Rotisserie chicken is preferred for flavor and convenience, but any cooked chicken will work.
Don’t skip the cracker topping; it adds a necessary crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Bake the casserole until bubbly and the edges are actively bubbling to ensure thorough heating.
To make ahead, assemble without the cracker topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add the topping and bake when ready.
For freezing, freeze the casserole before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
Optional additions like peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be folded in for extra vegetables without diluting the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg