Description
This Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it blends tender chicken with a savory sour cream and cheddar cheese sauce, topped with golden, crispy crackers for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional but recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, and finely chopped onion until well combined.
- Season the mixture: Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the chicken mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until well coated.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with cracker mixture: Spread the buttered cracker mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with broccoli, peas, or carrots based on your preference.
- Cook and shred the chicken in advance to reduce prep time.
- For added flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
