Description
Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish combining shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a buttery crunchy cracker topping. This classic American casserole is easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, and loved for its rich texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole Base
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well!)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (approximately 10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional but recommended, such as peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, and mixed vegetables if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything together to form a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly to create the base layer of the casserole.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until well combined, creating a crunchy topping.
- Assemble Topping and Cheese: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken casserole base. Then, evenly distribute the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dish is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to set before serving. Enjoy warm as a comforting main dish.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time and enhance flavor.
- Try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
- Optional vegetables add nutrition and color, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure the cracker topping is evenly coated with butter for proper browning and crunch.