Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: A Rich and Creamy Delight
Introduction
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is an iconic dish renowned for its creamy texture and comforting taste. The dish is closely associated with department store tearooms but has firmly established itself in the hearts of home cooks. It’s perfect for a potluck, family gathering, or just when you want something hearty and comforting.
The dish is simple enough for any home cook to prepare, but your friends will feel like they’re dining at a five-star restaurant when you serve it.
The Appeal of Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
What makes this casserole unique? It is the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery crackers. The secret is usually the cream of chicken soup in the sauce mixed with sour cream, sometimes even mayonnaise.
The crushed Ritz crackers provide a crunchy and slightly salty topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for added richness)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (or mix of cheeses)
- 1 sleeve (about 34) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1/4 cup of chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and any additional vegetables you choose to add (peas, celery, onion).
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This will enable the casserole to set a little.
Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or simply boil and shred a couple of breasts specifically for this recipe.
- Possible Cheese Alternatives: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a timeless dish that’s consistently featured at family meals. Its creamy texture and savory flavors are a sure crowd-pleaser, while the straightforward preparation guarantees it will be a regular feature in your meal planning.
Give it a try and find out why people have been raving about it for generations!