Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food elevated, offering a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying experience. Featuring tender shredded chicken enveloped in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, it's crowned with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch to every spoonful. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive potluck dish, this casserole promises a taste of Southern hospitality and indulgent flavor that will leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
8-10 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Indulgently creamy texture with a savory, rich flavor profile.
- Features a craveable buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping.
- An absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Relatively simple to assemble, making it a great weeknight option.
- Offers a nostalgic, comforting taste that brings warmth to any meal.
Ingredients
- 450g (3 cups) cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 240ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 120ml (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 200g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 40g (1/2 cup) green onions, thinly sliced
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 250g (2 sleeves) Ritz crackers, finely crushed
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven preheats, thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of cream cheese remain. This creates the creamy base for the casserole.
- Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the chicken and cheese are evenly coated and distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Carefully spoon the prepared chicken mixture into the greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it into an even layer from edge to edge.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the finely crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Stir thoroughly with a fork until all the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened by the butter, creating a cohesive topping mixture.
- Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the entire surface of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Ensure a consistent layer for a uniform golden crust.
- Place the uncovered casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the topping is beautifully golden brown and the creamy filling is bubbly around the edges, indicating it is heated through.
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. It is crucial to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully on the plate.
- Serve this comforting Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole warm as a standalone meal or alongside a light green salad to balance the richness. Garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired for a touch of freshness.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature for a lump-free, smooth base.
- Don't overmix the chicken mixture; fold gently to keep the chicken tender.
- Crush Ritz crackers uniformly for an even topping and consistent crispness. A food processor works wonderfully for this.
- Allow the casserole to rest for the full 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps it set and prevents it from being too runny when served.
- If preparing ahead, assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking to maintain its crispness.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade shredded chicken cooked in a rich broth. This infuses more depth into the entire dish.
- Toasting the crushed Ritz crackers slightly in a dry pan before mixing with butter can enhance their nutty flavor and ensure ultimate crispness once baked.
- Introduce a subtle tang and herbaceousness by adding a touch of Dijon mustard (5ml / 1 teaspoon) and a pinch of dried dill to the cream cheese mixture.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy base.
- Consider adding 120ml (1/2 cup) of frozen peas or corn to the chicken mixture for added vegetables and color.
- While Ritz crackers are traditional, other buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter can be used as a topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole completely, minus the cracker topping, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking to ensure it stays crisp. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What kind of cooked chicken should I use?
Any cooked chicken breast works well. You can boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts and then shred them. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option and adds fantastic flavor.
Can I use low-fat dairy products?
While possible, using full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise is highly recommended for the classic rich, creamy texture and flavor that defines this indulgent casserole. Low-fat alternatives may alter the consistency and taste.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 650-700, Protein: 45g, Fat: 50g, Carbs: 25g (approximate per serving, based on 8 servings).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, butter) and gluten (Ritz crackers). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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