Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
In my kitchen, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a go-to dish that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so comforting perfect for a cozy family dinner or even for entertaining guests. The harmonious blend of flavors makes it special, while the convenience of straightforward preparation means you can whip it up without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser; who can resist the delightful crunch of buttery Ritz crackers on top?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish isn’t just about its rich taste; it boasts a variety of reasons to bring it to your table. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and utterly kid-approved, making it ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend brunches. The creamy texture, combined with the savory chicken and crispy topping, creates a delightful experience with every bite.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Preparing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Making this casserole is as simple as mixing flavors and letting the oven do the work. You’ll blend creamy ingredients with tender chicken, top it with a crunchy finish, and watch it bake to golden perfection. Follow along for the full ingredient list and detailed steps!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to get started:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 3 cups, shredded
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups
- Green Onions: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Crushed Ritz Crackers: 2 sleeves
- Butter: 1/2 cup, melted
Feel free to experiment with cheese choices or throw in some additional seasonings for a twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Fold in your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions until evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until it’s nice and golden, bubbly, and inviting.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set.
- Serve warm, garnishing as desired.
You’ll love the way the kitchen smells while it bakes aromatic, comforting, and utterly delicious!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This casserole is perfect as a standalone dish, but feel free to elevate your meal with some sides. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully alongside, or even roasted vegetables for those looking to sneak in some extra nutrients. A chilled glass of white wine can make for a lovely complement, too!
How to Store & Freeze
To keep leftovers fresh, cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it just make sure it’s well-wrapped. You can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring safe food handling at all times.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings; crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs also work wonderfully.
- Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of sour cream and mayonnaise depending on how rich you want your casserole to be.
- Safety First: Always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Creative Twists
Looking for some variations? Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the chicken for shredded beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition and make it colorful.
- Try using different types of cheese think pepper jack for a little kick!
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
