Save A rich and creamy baked chicken casserole inspired by the legendary Neiman Marcus recipe, featuring tender chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a buttery crispy topping.
I remember the first time I made this casserole for my family after tasting the famous Neiman Marcus version on a special trip. The creamy filling and crispy topping were such a hit that it quickly became a requested favorite for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 3 cups, shredded or cubed
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Green onions: ½ cup, finely sliced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Buttery round crackers: 1½ cups, crushed (e.g. Ritz)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth.
- Add Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Fill Dish:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prep Topping:
- In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Top Casserole:
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Every time I serve this casserole, my family gathers around the table with excitement. It always brings back memories of cozy evenings and laughter shared over comfort food.
Required Tools
Essential items include a 9x13-inch baking dish, large mixing bowls, a mixing spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a knife with cutting board for prepping ingredients.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, butter) and wheat or gluten (crackers, condensed soup). Always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 480 calories, 33 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein.
Save Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for easiest slicing. Pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out your meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the topping crispy and flavorful?
The topping consists of crushed buttery crackers mixed with melted butter, which bakes to a golden, crunchy texture complementing the creamy base.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Yes, cooked turkey can be used instead for a slight variation while maintaining the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Adding smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture enhances the depth and adds a pleasant kick.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Green salads or steamed vegetables work great alongside this creamy, hearty dish providing balance and freshness.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
Yes, it contains dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, as well as gluten from buttery crackers and condensed soup. Verify labels if sensitive.