Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with a Crispy Cracker Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To take this casserole to the next level, try experimenting with different textures and flavors in the filling. While the classic recipe is wonderfully simple, you can easily fold in some steamed broccoli florets or peas to add a pop of color and freshness.

If you prefer a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the soup base can elevate the flavor without overpowering the comforting, savory notes of the dish.

For an even richer flavor, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. If you find yourself short on Ritz crackers, club crackers or even crushed potato chips can serve as an excellent alternative for the crunchy topping.

Just make sure to toss them with melted butter to ensure they brown beautifully. Always use a glass or ceramic baking dish, as they distribute heat more evenly than metal pans.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Casserole: Mix in one finely diced deseeded jalapeno pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the soup base for a subtle, spicy kick.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole: Fold in one cup of small, lightly steamed broccoli florets along with the chicken to add color and extra texture to the filling.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole without cracker topping for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before baking.

Reheat

Reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes to restore the crispy cracker crust.

Store any leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To preserve the crispness of the cracker topping, allow the casserole to cool at room temperature for at most two hours before covering and refrigerating it, ensuring no condensation forms on the underside of the lid. If you are keeping it in the original baking dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the entire creamy chicken filling and cheese layer in the baking dish up to twenty-four hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, prepare the buttery cracker topping fresh and sprinkle it on top just before sliding the casserole into the oven, adding about five minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve this rich and comforting casserole alongside a light, refreshing side dish to balance the creamy, decadent flavors. A sharp green garden salad tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber salad works beautifully to cleanse the palate.

Steamed green vegetables, such as tender broccoli florets, roasted asparagus spears, or garlic-sauteed green beans, also make excellent accompaniments, providing a clean, vibrant contrast to the rich cheese and savory cream sauce of the main dish.

For an even heartier meal, you can serve scoops of this warm casserole over a bed of fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious extra sauce beautifully.

Complete the dinner table with some warm, crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread to wipe up every last bit of the savory filling from the plate. It is a crowd-pleasing option that easily transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a truly memorable feast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with a Crispy Cracker Crust

Prep 10 minCook 30 minRest 10 minTotal 50 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and the shredded cooked chicken. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a spatula until the chicken is completely and evenly coated by the creamy soup base.
2. Fold half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture until it is evenly distributed throughout the creamy filling.
3. Spread the creamy chicken mixture into an even layer in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken layer.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cheese layer, covering it completely.
5. Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown. Ensure the casserole is heated through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the creamy filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

820 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.