Save to Pinterest A rich and creamy baked chicken casserole inspired by the legendary Neiman Marcus recipe, featuring tender chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a buttery crispy topping.
I first discovered this casserole at a holiday potluck, and its comforting taste quickly became a family favorite. Everyone loves the golden, crunchy topping!
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 3 cups, shredded or cubed
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Green onions: ½ cup, finely sliced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Buttery round crackers: 1½ cups, crushed (e.g. Ritz)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth.
- Add Main Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Layer Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this casserole at Sunday dinner always brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Memories of laughter and good food make each bite even better.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. It also tastes great with a glass of chilled Chardonnay.
Make Ahead & Storage
The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight. Store leftovers tightly covered and reheat in the oven.
Variations
Swap cooked turkey for chicken or add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Stir in diced mushrooms or red bell peppers for extra flavor.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and delivers comfort with every bite. Make it once and you'll want it in your regular dinner rotation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheese types are included in this dish?
The casserole features cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan for a rich, savory blend.
- → How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Ensure crushed crackers are evenly coated with melted butter before baking, and bake until golden brown for maximum crunch.
- → Can I substitute turkey for chicken?
Yes, cooked turkey can be used as an alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
- → What seasoning enhances the casserole’s flavor?
Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt add balanced savory notes to the creamy filling.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables to complement the richness and add freshness.