Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole — Easy Party Dish

Quick Overview

Neiman Marcus chicken casserole easy party dish is a beloved, retro-style casserole that delivers creamy chicken, sharp cheese, and a buttery cracker crust that guests adore. This version keeps the classic flavors while simplifying steps so you can prep quickly for gatherings. The recipe works well as a main or hearty side and scales up for holiday feeds. Read on for precise measurements, detailed steps, and smart serving and storing tips to keep the dish perfect from oven to table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Cooked chicken (about 3 cups / 700 g)

• Use cooked, diced or shredded chicken from roasted breasts or a rotisserie bird. Measure about 3 cups for a 9×13-inch casserole. The chicken provides the protein base and absorbs the creamy sauce so the casserole stays moist without becoming soupy.

Cream of chicken soup (2 x 10.5 oz cans / 600 ml total)

• Two standard cans give a thick, flavorful binder. Use full-fat condensed soup for richness. The soup creates the casserole’s signature creamy texture and keeps the filling cohesive while baking.

Mayonnaise (1 cup / 240 ml)

• One cup of mayonnaise contributes tang and creaminess that sets the classic Neiman Marcus profile. Stir thoroughly with the soups and chicken to form a smooth, rich filling that will bake to a creamy finish.

Sour cream (1/2 cup / 120 ml)

• Half a cup of sour cream lightens texture and adds a mild tang. It balances the mayo and soup, making the filling silkier and less heavy while still giving the casserole a pleasant, slightly tangy edge.

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups / 200 g)

• Two packed cups of sharp cheddar add savory depth and melt into the filling. Reserve a small handful for topping if you want extra cheesiness on the crust. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Chopped pimentos or roasted red pepper (1/2 cup / 75 g)

• Pimentos add mild sweetness and a classic look. Use jarred drained pimentos or roasted red pepper, chopped. They introduce color and a subtle, pleasant pepper note without heat.

Finely chopped onion (1/2 cup / 80 g)

• Half a cup of finely chopped onion gives aromatic flavor and a slight crunch when baked. Sauté briefly if you prefer a softer onion presence; raw works fine if you like more bite.

Ritz-style crackers, crushed (2 cups / 200 g) with melted butter (6 tbsp / 85 g)

• Two cups of crushed buttery crackers plus six tablespoons of melted butter create the crunchy golden topping. Toss crumbs with butter before sprinkling to ensure even browning and a flavorful crust.

Salt, black pepper, paprika (to taste; about 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika)

• Season simply with about a teaspoon of salt, half teaspoon pepper, and paprika for color. Adjust to taste after mixing the filling. These seasonings highlight the dish without masking the creamy, cheesy profile.

Recipe preparation step

Step By step Recipe: Neiman Marcus chicken casserole easy party dish

Step 1: Preheat and prepare baking dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the casserole releases easily. Line a small bowl with parchment if you plan to crush crackers by hand. Gather measured ingredients and a mixing bowl. Having everything ready keeps the assembly smooth and minimizes mess during the build stage.

Step 2: Mix the creamy base

• In a large bowl combine both cans of cream of chicken soup, one cup mayonnaise, and half cup sour cream. Whisk until smooth and uniform. Add salt, pepper, and paprika, then taste a small spoonful and adjust seasoning. Mixing thoroughly now ensures even flavor in every bite and avoids pockets of unmixed mayonnaise or soup in the finished casserole.

Step 3: Add chicken, cheese, and veggies

• Fold the diced cooked chicken into the creamy base, then add the shredded sharp cheddar, chopped pimentos, and finely chopped onion. Stir gently until evenly distributed; avoid overmixing to keep texture. Make sure cheese spreads through the mixture so it melts uniformly in the oven and binds the filling without clumping in one area.

Step 4: Transfer to dish and smooth top

• Spoon the combined filling into the prepared 9×13-inch dish and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Smooth the surface so the cracker topping will sit flat and brown evenly. Wipe any filling off the rim to avoid burning. The layer should reach near the dish edges so each serving has a good filling-to-crust ratio.

Step 5: Make and add the cracker topping

• Place two cups crushed crackers in a bowl and pour six tablespoons melted butter over them. Stir until all crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture evenly over the casserole surface. Add a small handful of reserved cheese on top if you want extra browning. The buttered crumbs will crisp and turn golden in the oven, forming the classic crunchy top.

Step 6: Bake and check for doneness

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Let the casserole rest five to ten minutes after removing it from the oven to set the filling. This rest time helps the casserole slice cleanly for serving.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few extra pimentos for color before serving. Use a spatula to cut even squares. Serve hot alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. The creamy interior and crunchy top pair well with simple sides that add brightness to the plate.

Step 8: Scale and timing tips for parties

• To serve a crowd, double the recipe and bake in two 9×13 dishes or a larger pan, adjusting bake time by 10–15 minutes if needed. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking to shorten oven time and promote even cooking across larger pans.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving tip: Pairing and portioning

• Cut the casserole into even squares for tidy plating. Offer a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the casserole’s richness. For parties, place small serving spoons and labels so guests can choose sides and portion sizes. This approach helps manage portions and keeps the buffet tidy.

Serving tip: Make-ahead for less stress

• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 20 minutes and then bake as directed. This saves hands-on time on the event day and often improves flavor as the seasonings meld overnight.

Storing tip: Refrigeration and reheating

• Cool leftovers to room temperature for no more than two hours, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, to preserve crunch. Microwaving is faster but softens the cracker topping.

Storing tip: Freezing for later meals

• For longer storage, wrap the assembled unbaked casserole tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time if needed. Freezing works well for meal planning and holiday prep. Enjoy this classic Neiman Marcus chicken casserole easy party dish with family and friends. It’s simple to build, friendly to scale, and reliably pleasing to a crowd.