Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

by

Indulgent Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Viral Comfort Dish Everyone Loves

Why This Dish Is Breaking The Internet

This luxurious casserole transforms the famous Neiman Marcus dip—with its irresistible combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and almonds—into a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Holding the top spot on Allrecipes’ most popular new recipes, this crowd-pleasing casserole delivers unmatched comfort with its creamy texture and buttery cracker topping. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to serve guests.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided
  • ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
  • ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat works best)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

For the Buttery Cracker Topping:

  • 1½ cups butter crackers (like Ritz), crushed (about 35–40 crackers)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Create the Creamy Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping), toasted almonds, and green onions.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken mixture and fold gently until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly coated.

Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Make the Buttery Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  2. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the cheese layer, creating an even topping.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  2. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results

  • Chicken Options: While rotisserie chicken provides great flavor and convenience, you can also use poached or roasted chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Add the cracker topping just before baking and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes if cooking from cold.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the casserole without the topping, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake.
  • Almond Alternative: For nut allergies, substitute toasted sunflower seeds or simply omit.
  • Cheese Upgrade: Try using a combination of cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Nutritional Information

  • Servings: 8 generous portions
  • Calories: Approximately 580 per serving
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 43g
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

What Makes This Casserole Special

The brilliance of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors: tender chicken, smoky bacon, crunchy almonds, creamy sauce, and that irresistible buttery cracker topping. The original Neiman Marcus dip was already a party favorite, but this casserole version elevates it to main-dish status, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress dinner guests, this casserole delivers the comfort food experience everyone craves. No wonder it’s gone viral!