Chef’s Note
This show-stopping casserole captures all the flavors of the famous Neiman Marcus chicken salad in a warm, comforting baked dish. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese topped with buttery crackers creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have your family asking for seconds!
🛒 Ingredients
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) 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 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco®)
1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
👨🍳 Instructions
1
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2
Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.
3
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the crackers are evenly coated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring full coverage for that perfect golden crust.
6
Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
7
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Leftover Magic: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or transform leftover roasted chicken into this luxurious dish.
Customization: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your preference, or add diced jalapeños for extra heat. You can also substitute Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
