As a home cook, I cherish recipes that bring warmth and comfort to my family, and the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a shining star in my kitchen. This dish, with its creamy texture and savory aroma, transports me back to cozy family gatherings where laughter and delicious food filled the air. The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly. Each bite is a delightful blend of tender chicken, rich cheese, and a satisfying crunch from the potato chips, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into this beloved recipe that has won hearts across generations!
What is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a classic American dish that originated from the upscale department store’s legendary recipe collection. Known for its creamy texture and comforting flavors, this casserole combines shredded chicken with a rich blend of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese, topped with a crunchy layer of potato chips. This dish reflects the essence of home cooking, where simplicity meets indulgence, making it a favorite for families and gatherings alike. Its global influence can be seen in the way it brings together diverse ingredients, creating a meal that resonates with many cultures.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Convenient: Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious: A creamy, savory flavor that pleases everyone at the table.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and can be customized with veggies.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Who It’s For
This casserole is ideal for busy families looking for a hearty meal, health-conscious cooks who appreciate nutritious options, and food lovers who enjoy comforting, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable and satisfying.
When to Cook It
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is perfect for various occasions, including weeknight dinners when time is short, family gatherings that call for a crowd-pleasing dish, or even potlucks where you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s a versatile recipe that fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (substitute with cream of chicken for a different flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (try using tortilla chips for a twist)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (scallions can be a great substitute)
- 1/2 cup milk (almond or oat milk works well for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh minced garlic can enhance the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add the greens: Gently fold in the chopped green onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer to dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of crushed potato chips for that satisfying crunch.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- Monk fruit: Another great option that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
- Avoid: Honey and maple syrup, as they can spike blood sugar levels despite being natural sweeteners.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Greased casserole dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
- Serving spoon
- Use Quality Ingredients: Chef Julia Child always emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for organic chicken and fresh vegetables to elevate your casserole.
- Layer Flavors: Chef Thomas Keller suggests building flavors by sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the mix. This enhances the overall taste of your casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Crunch: Renowned chef Ina Garten recommends using homemade croutons or seasoned breadcrumbs instead of potato chips for a gourmet twist.
- Make Ahead: Chef Rachael Ray often prepares casseroles a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when baked.
- Experiment with Cheese: Chef Alton Brown encourages trying different cheese combinations, like Gruyère or feta, to add unique flavors to your casserole.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to bake, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Covering: Cover the casserole with foil while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
- Using Dry Chicken: Ensure your chicken is moist and tender. Overcooked or dry chicken can lead to a less enjoyable casserole.
- Skipping the Grease: Always grease your casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.
- Not Letting It Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut into portions.
- Overloading on Toppings: While toppings add flavor, too much can overwhelm the dish. Stick to a balanced layer of cheese and chips for the best texture.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry casserole, while underbaking may leave it too runny.
Q: Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
Q: Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
It depends; you can experiment with various cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different flavors.
Q: Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free potato chips and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables to Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas or carrots can enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace of flavors that brings families together. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a cherished part of your family meals. If you try it, please share your thoughts in the comments below or share this recipe with fellow food lovers who would appreciate a taste of this classic comfort food!
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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy chicken casserole inspired by the famous Neiman Marcus recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole Recipe