There are some dishes that transcend a simple meal and become an event. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is undoubtedly one of them. For decades, this recipe, rumored to hail from the kitchens of the iconic luxury department store, has captivated home cooks with its promise of unparalleled richness and a surprisingly simple preparation. This isn’t your everyday casserole; it’s a creamy, savory, and utterly decadent experience that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly extraordinary. Get ready to elevate your casserole game and bring a touch of gourmet luxury into your home kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly embodies comfort food elevated to an art form. While it sounds incredibly fancy, the magic lies in its straightforward approach to creating such a rich and flavorful dish. It’s the kind of casserole that disappears quickly at potlucks, elicits recipe requests at family dinners, and always leaves everyone feeling utterly satisfied. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauces, and savory seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that truly lives up to its “decadence in a dish” reputation. It’s comforting, impressive, and surprisingly easy to pull off, making it a true kitchen hero in my book.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this luxurious casserole:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (8 oz) package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 30-35 crackers)
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. If cooking chicken from scratch, boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred or dice.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: For a richer flavor, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a combination of both.
• Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyere or a Monterey Jack blend for a different flavor profile.
• Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz, any buttery cracker will work, or even panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
• Add-ins: For extra flair, consider adding a cup of sautéed mushrooms or diced celery to the chicken mixture before baking.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook Noodles: Cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Combine Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole: Add the cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer to Dish: Pour the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are moistened.
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, then evenly spread the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs over the cheese.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
9. Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles only to al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven and you want them to hold their shape.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using sour cream and mayonnaise closer to room temperature can help them mix more smoothly into the sauce.
• Evenly Spread Topping: Ensure the cracker topping is evenly spread for consistent crispness.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time! It allows the casserole to firm up, making for cleaner scoops.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a rich and complete meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus would also be a great addition.

Looking for other comforting casserole ideas? Try this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or this fun Dorito Casserole for a quick weeknight dinner!

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. The cracker topping might lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this luxurious casserole, here are more crowd-pleasing recipes from Chefmaniac.com:

• For another fantastic chicken dish, try these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re a fan of Southern comfort, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is a must-try.
• And for another go-to cozy dinner, my Chicken Enchiladas are always a hit.

Final Thoughts

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and memorable. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and crispy topping make it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the stress. Give this decadent casserole a try, and prepare to fall in love with its luxurious charm.

Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media and follow Chefmaniac.com for more delicious recipes!