Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, a luxurious yet easy baking recipe perfect for family dinners. This creamy, comforting dish features tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a buttery cracker topping that creates the best combination of textures and flavors.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

1 casserole (8 servings)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g cooked chicken breast, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cans (220g each) water chestnuts, drained and chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g celery, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g sour cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cans (295g each) condensed cream of chicken soup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g butter crackers (like Ritz), crushed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease your 23 x 33 cm baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. This ensures your casserole will release easily when serving.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cubed chicken, drained and chopped water chestnuts, and diced celery. The water chestnuts add a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy elements of the dish, so don't skip them!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, condensed chicken soup, diced onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. This creamy binding mixture will become luxuriously rich during baking, coating all the chicken and vegetables evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken mixture and fold gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Be careful not to overmix or stir too vigorously as this can break down the chicken chunks and water chestnuts.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The even distribution ensures the casserole will cook uniformly throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>In a medium bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. This buttery topping will create a delicious golden crust that adds both flavor and textural contrast to the creamy filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Try to get complete coverage so every bite has some of that delicious crunchy topping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This visual cue tells you the casserole is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion while still keeping it warm.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve warm, scooping portions that include both the creamy filling and crunchy topping. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?

This luxurious casserole features cooked chicken breast, water chestnuts, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, onion, butter crackers, melted butter, lemon juice, and seasonings including salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

How to cook Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole by combining chicken, water chestnuts and celery with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream and soup. Top with buttery crushed crackers and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Allow to rest briefly before serving for a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple.

Can I make this chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping just before baking to maintain its crunch. Alternatively, bake the entire casserole, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat at 160°C until hot.

Why are water chestnuts important in this creamy casserole recipe?

Water chestnuts provide essential textural contrast to the rich, creamy elements of the casserole. Their signature crunch remains intact during baking, preventing the dish from becoming one-note in texture. This surprising crispness against the tender chicken and creamy sauce is what makes this casserole truly special.

What sides pair well with this upscale chicken bake?

This elegant casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that won't compete with its rich flavours. Consider steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, crusty bread, or white rice. For special occasions, roasted fingerling potatoes make an excellent accompaniment.

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