When I think of the dishes that shaped my childhood, this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole sits right near the top of the list—warm, rich, and wrapped in buttery cracker crumbs.
Every Sunday afternoon, my grandmother’s kitchen in Birmingham buzzed with the rhythm of comfort: the low hum of her old hand mixer, the clink of Pyrex bowls, and the smell of something creamy bubbling away in the oven. If the church choir ran long, the casserole might have to wait a few extra minutes, but no one ever minded; we’d sit in the den, our stomachs rumbling, while that buttery aroma drifted through the house.
Grandma said the recipe came from a friend who’d once worked in the tearoom at Neiman Marcus—the kind of story you can’t verify but you never want to correct. Over the years she adjusted it, simplifying the steps and adding her own Southern touches until it became our family’s comfort food legend.
When I moved to Asheville, I brought her handwritten recipe card with me. The edges are still flecked with butter stains and cracker crumbs, and every time I unfold it, I can hear her voice saying, “Darlin’, if you can stir and smile at the same time, you can make this casserole.”
This version keeps everything we loved about Grandma’s—creamy chicken filling, a golden-brown cracker crust, and that homey smell that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
It’s the kind of dish that reminds you food doesn’t have to be fancy to feel special.
- Creamy Comfort: The base is a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cream-of-chicken soup—silky and indulgent.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples, easy substitutions, no stress.
- Family Friendly: Kids devour it, adults ask for seconds, and it reheats like a dream.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before; bake when you’re ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, church suppers, and new-neighbor dinners.
- Pure Nostalgia: Every bite tastes like Sunday supper at Grandma’s table.
It’s creamy enough to feel luxurious but humble enough to serve with a spoon straight from the casserole dish.
Ingredients
You’ll Need:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 sleeve Ritz-style buttery crackers, crushed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Notes from Grandma Mae:
“Don’t skimp on the crackers, sugar. The topping is half the joy.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or spray. - Mix the creamy base.
In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup until smooth and glossy. - Season generously.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Fold in the chicken and cheese.
Add the shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of cheddar. Stir until every piece of chicken is coated in that velvety sauce. - Spread and smooth.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. - Make the buttery topping.
In another bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter until every crumb shines. - Top and bake.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then scatter the remaining cheese on top. - Bake until bubbly.
Place on the middle rack and bake 25–30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the topping turns golden. - Rest and serve.
Let it sit five minutes before serving—just long enough for everyone to gather around the table.
When you pull it from the oven, the top crackles slightly as it cools. That buttery scent? It’s like a warm memory walking back into the room.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
At Grandma Mae’s, this casserole always came with green beans, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea strong enough to stand a spoon in.
These days I serve it in all sorts of ways:
- With a simple salad for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Over rice when I’m feeding a crowd.
- Alongside roasted carrots and cornbread when I’m feeling nostalgic.
For gatherings, I spoon it into a pretty baking dish, sprinkle a little fresh parsley, and set it right in the center of the table. No one ever waits for a serving spoon—they dive in with whatever’s closest.
How to Store Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ve just set yourself up for another delicious meal later in the week. Grandma Mae always said, “This casserole’s even better on day two,” and she was right.
To Refrigerate:
Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring portions to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge.
To Reheat:
Warm it in a 350°F oven, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. The topping will crisp right back up. For smaller portions, the microwave works too—just 60–90 seconds per serving.
To Freeze:
Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in a double layer of foil or freezer wrap. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and if the cracker topping has softened a bit, add a few fresh crumbs before reheating to restore the crunch.
Meal-Prep Tip:
Sometimes I make two at once—one for dinner, one for the freezer. Knowing there’s a homemade meal waiting for a busy night feels like a gift from past me to future me.
Tips to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of making this dish (and testing all of Grandma’s handwritten notes):
- Soften your cream cheese fully. It blends much smoother and creates that dreamy texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor. The slight smokiness deepens the casserole’s richness.
- Don’t skimp on the buttered crackers. They make that signature golden crust.
- Let it rest before serving. The sauce thickens a touch and slices cleanly.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if reheating. Keeps it creamy and prevents dryness.
- Fresh herbs go a long way. A sprinkle of thyme or parsley brightens the flavors.
- Use a deep dish if doubling. You don’t want it bubbling over (trust me, cleaning the oven after is no fun).
Those small touches are what transform a good casserole into the one people ask for again and again.
Variations of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Once you’ve mastered the base, this recipe is your blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few of my favorite spins:
1. Spicy Southwest Twist
Add a teaspoon of taco seasoning, a handful of black beans, and chopped green chiles. Swap cheddar for pepper jack.
2. Bacon Ranch Style
Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning and a few crumbles of cooked bacon. Top with extra cheddar for an irresistible finish.
3. Veggie Lover’s Version
Fold in a cup of steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
4. Thanksgiving Remix
Use leftover turkey instead of chicken and add a dash of poultry seasoning. It’s a delicious way to reinvent holiday leftovers.
5. Low-Carb Option
Replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with Parmesan. Still crunchy, still delicious.
I’ve tried them all over the years, and every variation has earned a place in my worn recipe binder.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. It’s not as flavorful as fresh or rotisserie, but it works in a pinch.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate overnight, then add the crackers just before baking.
3. How can I make it lighter?
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
4. Why is it called “Neiman Marcus” Chicken Casserole?
Legend has it the original recipe came from the famous Dallas department store’s tearoom, where it became a hidden gem among Southern home cooks.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger 9×13 or lasagna pan and bake for 10 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memory keepers. This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of those. Every time I make it, I can see my grandmother’s apron tied crooked, her old Pyrex dish gleaming under the oven light, and her gentle smile as she pulled it out, bubbling and golden.
Cooking it in my own kitchen now feels like carrying a bit of her warmth forward. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or simply yourself after a long day, it’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
It’s creamy. It’s comforting. And it’s proof that the simplest recipes—made with love and butter—are the ones that last.
If you love dishes like this, don’t miss:
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Print
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the ultimate Southern comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crackers. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and soup until smooth.
3. Add seasonings, chicken, and 1 ½ cups cheese.
4. Spread in 9×13 dish.
5. Combine crackers and butter; sprinkle on top.
6. Add remaining cheese.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
8. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Let cool before freezing.
Top with fresh parsley for color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg