Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This ultra-creamy Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is my new weeknight obsession. It combines the best parts of my million dollar chicken casserole and creamy baked chicken. Think juicy shredded chicken smothered in a silky cream cheese sauce, then covered with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that crisps up to golden perfection. Whether you're making this for a Tuesday dinner or potluck with friends, it's going to be a winner.

Why I'm Obsessed With This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Neiman Marcus chicken casserole has everything you'd want in a chicken casserole recipe and more. I've made what feels like hundreds of chicken casseroles in my day as a home-cooking chef, and this one is my new obsession. 

The recipe first came from my cousin, Emily. She first whipped up this “Neiman Marcus chicken casserole” at one of our Bills tailgates. We like to do potluck-style tailgates throughout the year, and she had the honor of providing the main dish. I made my famous boat dip and it was of course a smashing hit.

Anyways, Emily was riffing on a recipe she found in our Grandma’s cookbook. She swapped the usual breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz and added garlic powder, and we’ve never looked back. Now it’s my go-to comfort dish when I need something that's quick to make but crave-worthy. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, the cracker topping stays crunchy, and—bonus—any leftovers reheat like a dream.

By the way, if you want to try some more Neiman Marcus recipes, you have to make my Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies and Neiman Marcus cake. Either one would be a perfect dessert after this savory chicken casserole.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed 
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

How To Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

Step 1 – Preheat & Season

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or avocado oil. Next, scatter the chopped chicken in the pan and sprinkle it with garlic powder.

Step 2 – Mix The Creamy Base

Take out a large bowl and whisk the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream together until smooth and velvety. It should resemble the picture below.

Step 3 – Layer It Up

Spread the creamy mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top.

Step 4 – Add The Ritz Crackers

Stir the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl until every crumb is coated in the butter. Then top the casserole with the buttery crumbs.

Step 5 – Bake Till Golden

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the filling can thicken up a litte. 

My Expert Tips Section

Why this ratio rocks – The 8 oz cream cheese, 10.5 oz soup, and ½ cup sour cream combo gives you a sauce that’s rich yet still scoopable. Want it thicker? Add more cream cheese. Prefer it more like a soup? Add in a little extra soup.

Use any cheese – Sharp cheddar is my favorite kind to use. Swap in Colby Jack for a milder flavor, or add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan to the mix for extra savory depth.

Cracker crush – Ritz’s buttery layers crisp up better than plain breadcrumbs. Aim for pea-size pieces so each crumb gets coated in butter and stays crunchy.

Plan ahead – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours early, but keep the cracker topping separate until you’re ready to bake. Freezing? Wrap it tightly and bake straight from frozen at 325°F for about an hour.

Allergy & lighter swaps – Need it lighter? Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Dairy-free? Blend plant-based cream cheese with unsweetened oat milk and a little nutritional yeast.

Flavor boosters – A dash of smoked paprika over the crumbs adds color and aroma. Feeling fancy? Stir ¼ cup sliced almonds and 2 tablespoon diced pimentos into the cheese layer for a subtle “Million Dollar Dip” spin.

My Favorite Variations To Try

• Spicy Ranch Twist – Mix a packet of ranch seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the creamy base for a huge flavor boost.
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup Flavor – Fold 1 cup blanched broccoli florets into the chicken layer. It literally tastes like the broccoli cheddar soup!
• Bacon Fix – Sprinkle ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon under the Ritz topping.
• Gluten-Free Swap – Use gluten-free butter crackers and a GF condensed soup.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to the baking time when starting from cold, and sprinkle the crackers on top right before baking.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Let any leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container or just cover the casserole dish for up to 4 days. Reheat at 325°F for about 15 minutes—the topping crisps right back up in the oven.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Wrap baked portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm at 325°F in the oven until hot.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?

Any butter crackers, crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or panko tossed with melted butter all work. Saltines don’t bring the same buttery flavor, so I don't recommend using them.

My Final Thoughts

From hectic weeknights to laid-back Sunday gatherings, this creamy Ritz chicken casserole will be your go-to every time. Five simple steps, pantry staples, and a flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—no wonder it’s a family favorite! If you make it, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out!

More Chicken Casserole Recipes To Try Next

• Crack chicken casserole
• Chicken pot pie casserole
• Ground chicken casserole
• Dorito chicken casserole