Learn How To Prepare The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is not just a dish—it is a comfort food legend that has stood the test of time. With its creamy chicken base, layers of savory cheese, buttery cracker topping, and a subtle kick from hot sauce, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole has become a must-have at potlucks, family dinners, and special gatherings.

Across the United States, home cooks continue to embrace Neiman Marcus chicken casserole for its rich flavors and simple preparation. Whether it’s served during holiday seasons or weekday dinners, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

This cherished recipe first appeared in the cafeteria of the Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas, Texas, during the 1970s. It quickly became a favorite among employees due to its hearty ingredients and homestyle taste. The original Neiman Marcus chicken casserole featured cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a cheesy, crunchy topping made from crushed crackers.

After gaining popularity internally, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole was published in company newsletters and internal cookbooks. Its fame spread rapidly as customers and home chefs recreated it at home. Over time, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole earned a new title: the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This nickname reflects the dish’s rich texture and luxurious taste, though it requires only budget-friendly ingredients.

At recipestasteful dot com, we aim to share flavorful, reliable recipes like Neiman Marcus chicken casserole that bring joy and comfort to the kitchen. In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover everything about Neiman Marcus chicken casserole, including its origin story, ingredient list, cooking method, storage tips, nutritional facts, and clever variations. We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions surrounding Neiman Marcus chicken casserole.

If you’re searching for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than Neiman Marcus chicken casserole. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Origin of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The Dallas Department Store Connection

The story of Neiman Marcus chicken casserole begins in Dallas, Texas, inside the cafeteria of the prestigious Neiman Marcus department store. In the 1970s, cafeteria chefs created a warm, filling dish to serve store employees—something affordable yet satisfying. That dish was the first version of Neiman Marcus chicken casserole.

Made with simple kitchen staples, the original Neiman Marcus chicken casserole featured shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a golden topping of crushed buttery crackers. The creamy consistency and crunchy texture made it an instant hit.

Employees loved Neiman Marcus chicken casserole so much that it was soon featured in the store’s internal newsletters and promotional recipe booklets. Customers began requesting the recipe, and soon, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole transitioned from an internal cafeteria item to a beloved public dish.

Over the years, families across America adapted and personalized the Neiman Marcus chicken casserole recipe. Some added crispy bacon, slivered almonds, or green onions for extra flavor and texture. Others gave it a spicy twist with hot sauce. Regardless of the variations, the heart of Neiman Marcus chicken casserole remained the same—simple, flavorful, and deeply comforting.

As word of mouth spread and the internet embraced nostalgic cooking, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole became a viral sensation. Bloggers praised it as a perfect potluck dish. Food enthusiasts renamed it Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Despite all the acclaim, the name Neiman Marcus chicken casserole remains synonymous with cozy, homemade meals.

In modern kitchens, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole continues to thrive as a go-to recipe for comfort, celebration, and shared meals. Its blend of creamy richness and crunchy topping makes Neiman Marcus chicken casserole stand out among other chicken casserole recipes.

Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, Neiman Marcus chicken casserole will never disappoint.

Evolution into a Viral Sensation

In recent decades, the Neiman Marcus chicken casserole recipe has enjoyed a second life online. Food bloggers and home chefs across the country began sharing their adaptations, adding personal twists like bacon, green onions, almonds, and even hot sauce. These small additions gave the casserole a modern, more indulgent upgrade while still preserving its core essence.

Now known in many circles as the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, this recipe has gone viral for good reason. It is hearty, creamy, easy to prepare, and most importantly, everyone loves it. Whether you are feeding a family or bringing something special to a holiday table, this dish always delivers.

Why People Love Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Flavor-Packed and Family-Approved

Neiman Marcus chicken casserole delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that feel comforting yet indulgent. The combination of cooked shredded chicken, creamy soups, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese creates a rich base, while the hot sauce adds a subtle heat. On top, crunchy cracker crumbs add texture and visual appeal. Whether served at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this dish satisfies all ages.

Simple Prep, Big Reward

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create a feast-worthy dish with minimal effort. The steps are straightforward: mix, top, and bake. It’s the kind of recipe that gives home cooks confidence—no fancy techniques or expensive ingredients required, yet the result looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality casserole.

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Full Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient in Neiman Marcus chicken casserole plays an essential role. Here is a closer look at how they contribute to the overall flavor and texture.

Shredded Cooked Chicken

Using pre-cooked chicken keeps prep easy. You can shred leftover roast chicken or poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Flavor tip: seasoning the poaching water with aromatics or cooking a rotisserie chicken adds extra depth.

Cream of Chicken Soup and Sour Cream

The classic pairing of condensed soup and sour cream creates the silky, creamy base of the casserole. Choose lower-sodium versions if you want to reduce salt. For a slightly tangy twist, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Cheddar Cheese and Green Onions

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor and melty texture. You can experiment with a mild or extra sharp cheese depending on your preference. Green onions bring freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.

Hot Sauce

Just a teaspoon or two of hot sauce adds warmth without overpowering the dish. Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce adds subtle heat and balances the richness.

Crushed Crackers and Melted Butter

The buttery cracker topping is key for creating a crisp finish. Ritz or buttery crackers work beautifully. Crushed and mixed with melted butter, they form a golden crust that complements the creamy interior.

Similar Recipes You May Enjoy

• Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – a creamy, comforting classic with vegetables and cheese.
• Tuna Noodle Casserole – nostalgic and hearty, with a crunchy topping.
• Broccoli Cheese Soup Casserole – an easy casserole packed with broccoli and cheddar.
• Chicken Divan Casserole – a lighter, broccoli chicken bake with cream sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The beauty of Neiman Marcus chicken casserole lies in its simplicity. It follows a straightforward process that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Here is how to make it from start to finish.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 sleeve of buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• 1/2 cup melted butter

These pantry staples come together to create a creamy, crunchy, and satisfying casserole.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

This rich mixture forms the hearty base of your casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated. This mixture will add that perfect golden, crispy topping that contrasts the creamy base.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. Then, spoon the cracker topping over the surface of the casserole, covering the top completely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, you can lightly cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Once done, let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Smart Variations to Try

This classic casserole is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to switch it up based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Option

To reduce the carbs, replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds or a low-carb cracker alternative. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using chicken broth, cream, and xanthan gum for thickening.

Vegetarian Version

Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute like plant-based chicken strips. You can also add extra vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas for a nutrient-rich twist.

Spicy Southwest Style

Give your casserole a bold flair by adding diced green chiles, taco seasoning, or a few tablespoons of salsa to the chicken mix. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.

Storage and Make‑Ahead Tips

Proper storage makes preparing Neiman Marcus chicken casserole even more convenient.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the dish. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always label with the date to ensure safe consumption.

Freezing the Casserole

This casserole freezes well:

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using oven or microwave instructions.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

To retain flavor and texture:

• Oven (multiple servings): Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F until heated through—about 20 minutes.
• Microwave (single serving): 60–90 seconds on medium, stirring halfway; add a splash of milk if it feels dry.
• Air fryer or toaster oven: Reheat at 300°F for 6–8 minutes to revive crispness on top.

Covered reheated sections stay moist; uncovered firms up the cracker crust.

Nutritional Breakdown

Approximate nutrition per 1-cup serving:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 30 g (including 15 g saturated fat)
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 780 mg

Variations (e.g., Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-sodium soup, turkey bacon, reduced butter in topping) can significantly improve the health profile—lowering fat, calories, and sodium.

Smart Variations to Maximize Flavor

Looking to change things up? These variations offer new flavor dimensions and alternate dietary fits:

Bang Bang Chicken Casserole (Spicy-Sweet Twist)

A creamy, spicy-sweet spin on the classic, this casserole features crisp chicken in a mayo-based sauce with sweet chili and sriracha—delicious and bold.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake

For pasta lovers, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and pasta. A cozy alternative that highlights ranch spices and cheesy comfort.

High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole

This healthy version turns the base into a lighter, veggie-packed bake with spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and mozzarella—perfect for protein-conscious eaters.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutrition of Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is key to incorporating it into a balanced lifestyle. Below is the detailed breakdown per one-cup serving:

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 28 grams
• Fat: 30 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Sugars: 2 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sodium: 780 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 95 milligrams

This dish is high in protein thanks to the chicken and cheese, and it provides a satisfying amount of fats that contribute to its creamy texture. The carb count is modest but mostly comes from the cracker topping. If you’re aiming to reduce sodium or fat intake, opt for low-sodium soup, light sour cream, and leaner cheese varieties.

You can also make healthy swaps such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, turkey or cutting down on the butter in the topping. These changes can significantly reduce saturated fats and cholesterol without compromising flavor.

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or contributing to a special occasion potluck, this recipe delivers satisfaction every single time.

What started as a staff cafeteria creation at a high-end department store has become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere. With its signature blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, crispy topping, and customizable ingredients, it’s no wonder it continues to be shared, adapted, and loved across generations.

Now that you have a complete understanding of how to prepare, customize, store, and enjoy this timeless comfort food, there’s nothing left but to gather your ingredients and get cooking. It’s time to experience why so many consider this the ultimate casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions