Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone seems to love. It’s packed with tender chicken, a crunchy topping, and a rich sauce that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. This casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special without a lot of fuss.
I really like making this casserole when I want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t take forever to prepare. One tip I’ve found helpful is to make sure the chicken is cooked just right so it stays juicy in the sauce. The crunchy topping adds such a nice contrast to the creamy filling, and it always gets compliments from everyone at the table.
When I serve this dish, I usually pair it with a light green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and homemade, perfect for family dinners or when friends come over. I often think of it as a comforting hug in food form — simple, warm, and just plain good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken
- Use cooked chicken breasts or thighs, diced. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great too! Thighs add more moisture if you prefer juicier meat.
- Rice
- Long grain rice cooks well in the casserole, absorbing flavors nicely. You can swap in white or brown rice, but brown rice may need extra liquid and time to cook fully.
- Cream Soups
- The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a rich base. If you're watching sodium or prefer homemade, try making a simple white sauce with milk and flour instead.
- Mayonnaise
- It adds creaminess and tang. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture, though the flavor will be a bit different.
- Cheddar Cheese
- Sharp cheddar gives a nice, bold flavor. You can substitute with Colby or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Cracker Crumbs
- Ritz crackers provide buttery crispness for the topping. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs work well.
How Do I Get the Casserole’s Topping Perfectly Crispy?
The crunchy topping really makes this dish stand out. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter to help them brown evenly and crisp up.
- Don’t cover the casserole during baking — this lets the topping get golden and crunchy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, until bubbling and nice golden color forms on top.
- If the topping isn’t browned enough near the end, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
This little crispy layer adds texture and flavor contrast to the creamy filling below.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and serving the whole dish at once.
- Large skillet – to sauté veggies and soften them before mixing with chicken and rice.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least one big bowl to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get the best flavor and texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – ideal for stirring without scratching your pans.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or ham – great for using leftovers and adding a different flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or broccoli – boosts the veggie content and adds color and nutrients.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar – for a bit of a spicy kick you might enjoy.
- Mix in some cooked bacon bits – adds a smoky, crispy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Topping:
- 2 cups buttery cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to bake. After baking, set it aside to rest for 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors settle and it’s easy to scoop. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sauté Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, celery, mushrooms, and optional green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
2. Mix the Casserole Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. This will form the creamy base of your dish.
4. Prepare and Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, blend the buttery cracker crumbs with the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of your casserole to get a nice, crunchy topping.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it’s bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Once baked, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before dicing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This prevents extra moisture that could make the casserole watery.
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely. You can use homemade white sauce (béchamel) or low-sodium cream soups if you prefer. Just keep the creamy texture to maintain the casserole’s rich flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes dinner prep super convenient!