This creamy Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is a warm and cozy dish that everyone will love. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy soup, and crunchy toppings, it’s perfect for any dinner!
Weeknight dinners can be a breeze with this recipe. Just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy! I love how the flavors blend so well—it’s like a hug in a bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed cooked chicken is the star of this dish. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty option.
Soups: This recipe calls for cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups to create the creamy base. If you’d like a healthier option, consider using low-fat or organic versions. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soup brands or make your own creamy soup.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds richness. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or a lighter version while still getting that creaminess.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is great for flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add some kick! Dairy-free cheese is a good alternative for lactose intolerance.
Topping: Crushed buttery crackers provide that lovely crunch. If you want a healthier option, use crushed whole grain crackers or toasted breadcrumbs instead.
How Do You Make the Creamy Mixture Smooth?
A key tip when mixing your creamy base is to combine the soups, sour cream, and mayo thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing the soups in a large bowl—this helps to marry their flavors.
- Add sour cream and mayonnaise slowly, stirring until completely blended and smooth.
- Incorporate spices like black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder gradually, stirring well after each addition to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
This method helps prevent clumps and ensures that every bite is deliciously creamy!
How to Make Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or crushed cornflakes for topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a busy day or a cozy family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly once it’s ready to go in.
2. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add in the black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Now, add the shredded or cubed chicken, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional chopped green onion into the bowl. Give everything a good stir until it’s all nicely combined.
4. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Take a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer your mixture into it. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish.
5. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers (or cornflakes) with the melted butter. Then, sprinkle this crunchy topping over the casserole for a delicious finish.
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly and the topping to be golden brown.
7. Let it Cool:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit!
Enjoy your creamy, rich Neiman Marcus chicken casserole! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQ about Creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this casserole. Just ensure it’s shredded or cubed to mix well with the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use extra mayonnaise for added creaminess. Both will work beautifully in this recipe!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short increments, stirring occasionally.