Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, and crunchy almonds. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where comfort food is appreciated. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it stand out, while its simple preparation ensures that even novice cooks can create this crowd-pleaser with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready to bake in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken, cheese, and bacon creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This casserole is ideal for gatherings and will surely impress your guests with its creamy texture and crunchy topping.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
- Easily Scalable: Whether you are cooking for a small group or a large gathering, this recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Casserole dish
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Casserole dish: A good-quality dish ensures even cooking and browning for your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish loaded with shredded chicken, Cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds, topped with buttery crackers for a crunchy finish.
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can 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 bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco® or to taste
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, such as Ritz® crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Add the shredded chicken.
2. Mix in the cream of chicken soup.
3. Stir in sour cream.
4. Fold in shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Add Topping
In a separate bowl:
1. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter until combined.
2. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before serving to let flavors meld perfectly. Enjoy your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole!
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a cozy family dinner or a dish for entertaining guests, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Family Style
- Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a homey feel. Provide large spoons for easy serving.
Individual Portions
- For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins. This makes it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Garnished Plates
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving. This adds color and enhances flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the casserole.
Bread on the Side
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls. This adds texture and is perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing
- A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with this dish. The acidity balances the creaminess perfectly.
How to Perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Perfecting your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole can elevate its taste and presentation. Here are some tips to make it even better:
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and flavor, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Customize Your Cheese: While Cheddar is classic, try mixing in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the hot sauce to your taste; start with less and add more if desired for personalized heat.
Ensure Even Baking: Cover with foil during the first half of baking to ensure even cooking and prevent over-browning on top.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix in different toppings like crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Pairing side dishes with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole can create a balanced meal. Here are some delightful options:
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and complement the casserole’s richness beautifully.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and tang that balances the creamy casserole perfectly.
Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned roasted asparagus offers a fresh taste that contrasts nicely with the hearty dish.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provides a healthy option packed with protein.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, making it an excellent counterpoint to the rich casserole flavors.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread serves as a fantastic side, providing sweetness that complements savory flavors well.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add protein and fiber, making this combination satisfying and filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, especially with a dish as rich as Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Neglecting to read the recipe thoroughly: Before you start cooking, read through the entire recipe. This ensures you understand each step and have all ingredients on hand.
Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken before adding it to the casserole. This enhances flavor and makes the dish more enjoyable.
Overcooking or undercooking: Pay attention to baking times. Overcooking can dry out the casserole, while undercooking can leave it soggy. Aim for that golden top!
Skipping the resting time: Letting your casserole cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set. Skipping this step can result in a messy serving.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Old or expired items can affect taste and texture, diminishing the overall experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container.
- It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and warm until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole that may help clarify any doubts you might have.
Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving for fresh warmth.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese as alternatives in your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
How do I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole spicier?
Add more hot sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Give this delightful recipe a try!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy almonds, topped with buttery crackers for an irresistible finish. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where delicious comfort food is appreciated. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests while being easy enough for novice cooks to master.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people. 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 6 slices crumbled bacon
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- In another bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and spread evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
