Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: Recipe, History, and Serving Tips

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole has earned its place as a beloved comfort food classic. This creamy, indulgent dish combines tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a surprise ingredient – sliced almonds – for a meal that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 6-8 people and uses simple ingredients that create an extraordinary flavor combination. The creamy sauce with a hint of heat perfectly complements the tender chicken and crunchy toppings.

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits (about 6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½-1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or finely chopped pecans
• 1 small bunch of fresh chives, finely chopped (or ⅓ cup dried chives)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 12 Ritz crackers, crushed and mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side), or bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
5. Add the shredded chicken, bacon bits, grated cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and sliced almonds to the mixture. Fold gently until well combined.

Baking

6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. If using the cracker topping, sprinkle it over the chicken mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit dietary restrictions or preferences without sacrificing flavor:

The History Behind Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The origin of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is surrounded by a blend of fact and culinary legend. Neiman Marcus, the luxury department store founded in Dallas, Texas in 1907, became known not just for high-end fashion but also for its in-store restaurants that served elegant comfort food.

While the store’s most famous recipe is undoubtedly their chocolate chip cookie (which has its own urban legend), this chicken casserole reportedly originated in their cafe during the 1970s. The dish was created as an upscale take on traditional chicken casseroles, featuring premium ingredients like sharp cheddar and almonds that reflected the store’s luxury positioning.

Interestingly, Neiman Marcus has never officially published this recipe in their cookbooks, leading some food historians to question whether it truly originated in their kitchens or if it was simply named after the store to give it an air of sophistication. Regardless of its exact origins, the recipe has been shared among home cooks for decades, becoming a staple at dinner parties and family gatherings across America.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Perfect Side Dishes

This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its creaminess:

• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or green beans work well)
• Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Wild rice or quinoa for a heartier meal

Wine Pairings

The creamy, savory profile of this casserole pairs wonderfully with these wines:

• Chardonnay – especially those with buttery notes
• Pinot Grigio for a lighter option
• Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp contrast
• Light-bodied Pinot Noir for red wine lovers

Occasion Recommendations

This versatile dish is perfect for various occasions:

• Family Dinners: A comforting weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy
• Dinner Parties: Elegant enough for entertaining yet easy to prepare ahead
• Potlucks: Travels well and stays delicious even when not piping hot
• Holiday Gatherings: A welcome alternative to traditional holiday meats

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe Card

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

A creamy, indulgent chicken casserole featuring sharp cheddar, bacon, and almonds for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Dish

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½-1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
• 1 small bunch of fresh chives, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 12 Ritz crackers, crushed + 2 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and cook chicken until done (165°F internal temperature).
3. Shred or chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon, garlic, hot sauce, paprika, salt and pepper.
5. Add chicken, bacon, cheese, chives, and almonds. Fold to combine.
6. Transfer to greased baking dish. Add cracker topping if using.
7. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Final Thoughts

The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole represents the perfect blend of elegance and comfort food. Its rich, creamy texture and complex flavors make it special enough for company, while its straightforward preparation keeps it accessible for weeknight family dinners.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s already a family favorite, this versatile dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of tender chicken, sharp cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy almonds creates a memorable meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

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