Sam Looking for the ultimate comfort food casserole that delivers on creamy, crunchy, cheesy goodness in every bite? Say hello to the legendary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole! This Southern-inspired dish is a viral sensation for good reason: it’s rich, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, cozy dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
If you’ve ever searched for the perfect chicken casserole recipe with Ritz crackers, this is the one. It’s the internet-famous baked chicken dish that combines flavor, texture, and simplicity—ideal for busy weeknights, holiday meals, and potlucks alike.
But it’s not just another creamy casserole. This one brings together nostalgic flavors, homestyle ingredients, and crowd-pleasing texture for a dish that’s both comforting and worthy of a dinner party spotlight. With every forkful, you’ll get the perfect balance of juicy chicken, melty cheese, tangy sour cream, smoky bacon, and that signature crispy cracker topping.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
- Serving Size: Serves 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (a.k.a. What You’re Really Eating!)
This casserole is indulgent and perfect for when you’re in the mood for a treat. Here’s a ballpark idea of what you’re getting in each serving:
- Total Calories: ~480 per serving
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Mood Boost Factor: 10/10 (yes, we made this up—but it’s real!)
Note: Values may vary slightly based on the brands you use. For a lighter version, opt for low-fat sour cream, turkey bacon, or reduced-fat cheese.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this show-stopping dish, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make-ahead tips and fun variations you can try. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This isn’t your average weeknight casserole. It’s a full-on comfort experience with tender shredded chicken, a creamy base loaded with sour cream and cream cheese, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that will have you scraping the pan for more.
Here are a few reasons it’s gone viral:
- Insanely Delicious: It’s like chicken dip turned dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or freezing.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Perfect for Potlucks: It travels well and feeds a crowd.
- Crowd-Pleaser: You’ll be the star of any gathering.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge.
Still not convinced? Imagine your favorite chicken dip—hot, cheesy, rich—now make it dinner. That’s the energy this casserole brings to the table.
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Here’s everything you need to bring this easy baked chicken casserole to life:
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Hot sauce drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your very own viral chicken casserole recipe:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your casserole’s richness!
3. Add Chicken and Flavorings
Mix in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
5. Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
6. Top It Off
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Garnish with a handful of chopped green onions or a dash of paprika for a little color and flair.
Pro Tips for Success
- Rotisserie Chicken = Time Saver: It cuts down on prep and adds flavor.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes or zap it for 15 seconds in the microwave.
- Crispier Topping: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end if you want extra crunch.
- Let It Rest: Give it a few minutes after baking to set slightly—this makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Double It: Hosting guests? Double the recipe and bake it in two pans side-by-side.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Chicken Casserole
To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Add the cracker topping just before baking. Here’s another make-ahead recipe you’ll surely love!
To Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
To Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Meal Prep Hack: Divide the casserole into individual servings in meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Fun Variations to Try
This Neiman Marcus casserole recipe is easy to customize. Here are some fun spins:
• Spicy Southwest Style:
Add 1/2 cup canned green chiles and swap cheddar for Pepper Jack. Serve with a dollop of salsa or guacamole.
• Ranch Chicken Version:
Add 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning to the mix. You can even toss in a handful of frozen peas for a bit of color and texture.
• Buffalo Twist:
Mix in 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar. Great for game day!
• Broccoli Boost:
Add 1 cup steamed chopped broccoli for a veggie-packed version. It makes the dish feel a little more balanced.
• Mushroom & Herb:
Add 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms and a pinch of thyme for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds for the topping instead of Ritz.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
This dish is rich, so pair it with lighter sides to balance things out:
- Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Fluffy white rice or buttered noodles
- Homemade biscuits or crusty bread
- Steamed mixed vegetables with lemon zest
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade
Hosting a dinner party? Add a light dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh fruit salad to round things off!
Why Is It Called “Neiman Marcus”?
Legend has it that this casserole was inspired by a recipe from the famous Neiman Marcus department store restaurant, where elegant dishes met Southern comfort. While it’s not confirmed, the name stuck—and so did the cult following!
Whether it truly originated in the upscale café or simply channels that retro-chic elegance, one thing’s for sure: the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has earned its place in the comfort food hall of fame.
Highly Recommended: Top 3 Kid-Friendly Southern-Casserole Recipes
Final Thoughts
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of those magical dishes that feels both indulgent and easygoing. Whether you’re making it for your family, a holiday get-together, or a weeknight dinner with leftovers for days, it delivers every time. The creamy filling, crispy topping, and bacon-cheddar goodness make this one irresistible meal.
It’s comfort food with a capital “C.”
This dish is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to make something incredibly satisfying. From Sunday suppers to potlucks, it hits the spot every single time.
Go ahead—bookmark this one, print it, or pin it. Once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Happy cooking!
And if you made this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment down below.
Ultimate Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe (Cheesy, Crispy, Southern Comfort!)
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ¼ cup melted butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Hot sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the Creamy Base:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your casserole's richness!
- Add Chicken and Flavorings:Mix in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Make the Buttery Cracker Topping:In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Top It Off:Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake and Serve:Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Pro Tip: Garnish with a handful of chopped green onions or a dash of paprika for a little color and flair.
One of the best chicken casserole recipes! Thanks Sam for this delectable dinner delight! My kids definitely loved it!