Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: Your New Go-To Creamy Copycat Recipe!

Prepare to be swept away by the luxurious comfort of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, a dish so famously rich and satisfying, it feels like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Forget bland weeknight dinners; this irresistible [Related Keyword] delivers a symphony of creamy textures and savory flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply elevating a regular Tuesday night into something special.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create a dish that tastes anything but. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature richness of this classic casserole.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation Instructions

Creating the perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is surprisingly straightforward, delivering gourmet results with simple steps. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly creamy and delicious [Related Keyword] every time.

1. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, undiluted cream of chicken soup, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
3. Add Noodles and Cheese: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy chicken mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a consistent layer.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a small separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers and the melted butter. Mix them until the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping generously over the casserole mixture in the baking dish.
6. First Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Final Cheese Layer and Bake: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cracker topping. Return the casserole to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is beautifully golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring every spoonful is perfectly creamy.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Elevate your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole even further with these creative ideas:

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a subtle heat that complements the richness.
2. Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or diced carrots during step 3 for added nutrients and color.
3. Herbaceous Touch: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or chives with the chicken mixture for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.
4. Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Gruyere and cheddar, or even a smoked gouda, can add new dimensions of flavor.
5. Serving Suggestion: Serve this decadent casserole with a light green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with some warm, crusty bread to sop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

FAQ

Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Cooked turkey works wonderfully as a substitute, making this a great post-holiday meal.

Q: Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole (up to step 5, before baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: What kind of noodles are best?
A: Egg noodles are traditional and provide a great texture, but rotini or penne pasta can also be used if preferred.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it unbaked or baked. If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing baked, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw and reheat until warmed through.

Conclusion

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole truly lives up to its legendary reputation, delivering an unparalleled level of comfort and gourmet flavor right to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something soul-satisfying, this [Related Keyword] is guaranteed to impress with its creamy richness and delightful cracker topping. Make it once, and it will surely become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.

Recipe Note

For the crispiest cracker topping, ensure your butter is fully melted and coats the crushed crackers evenly. You can also broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes after the cheese is melted to achieve an extra golden-brown crust, but watch it closely to prevent burning!