What is Neiman Marcus chicken?

Neiman Marcus chicken refers to a creamy, baked chicken casserole that gained popularity thanks to its rumored connection to the upscale Neiman Marcus department store. While the original version served in their café was a cold chicken salad, home cooks eventually transformed the idea into a rich, oven-baked comfort dish made with shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and buttery crackers. The modern Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is now a Southern favorite known for its indulgent texture and bold flavor.

Can you freeze million dollar chicken casserole?

Absolutely. Million dollar chicken casserole —another name for Neiman Marcus chicken casserole—freezes well both before and after baking. To freeze before baking: Assemble the filling (leave off the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking: Let the casserole cool, wrap or portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking for best results.

What ingredients go in chicken casserole?

While recipes can vary, the traditional Neiman Marcus chicken casserole includes these core ingredients: Shredded cooked chicken Cream of chicken soup Sour cream Shredded cheddar cheese Sliced green onions Crumbled bacon Slivered almonds (optional) Buttery crackers (like Ritz) Melted butter A touch of hot sauce (optional) These combine into a creamy, crunchy, comforting dish that’s easy to adapt to personal tastes.

Should I brown chicken before casserole?

It’s not necessary if you're using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. However, if you're starting with raw chicken breasts or thighs, it's a good idea to cook—and optionally sear—the meat beforehand for added flavor. The casserole itself isn’t meant to fully cook raw chicken, so always use cooked, shredded chicken when preparing Neiman Marcus chicken casserole .

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Best Southern Classic

Description

This creamy chicken casserole is a rich and comforting classic, packed with tender chicken, gooey cheddar, crispy bacon, and crunchy cracker topping. It’s quick to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser — perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10.5 oz) 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 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste
1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce until well combined.
Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
Swap Cheddar for Colby Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 724
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 55 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg