If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simply bursting with flavor, you have got to try the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping. This casserole brings together tender shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce, with crispy bacon and crunchy almonds adding delightful texture. The buttery Ritz cracker topping finishes it off perfectly, baking to a golden crust that’s nothing short of irresistible. It’s an ideal go-to for family dinners or gatherings, offering familiar flavors with an elegant twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in layering those rich, comforting flavors and textures. From the tang of sour cream to the crisp saltiness of bacon, every component brings something special to the table.

4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty and tender star of the casserole, providing a savory base.
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth, binding the ingredients together perfectly.
1 cup sour cream: Infuses a subtle tang and keeps the casserole moist and luscious.
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, bringing richness and a sharp, cheesy punch.
1/2 cup sliced green onions: Offers fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
1/2 cup slivered almonds: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone for extra texture.
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Delivers smoky, salty goodness that elevates the entire dish.
1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce: Just enough to bring a gentle heat and brighten the flavors.
1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed: Forms the crispy, golden topping that seals in moisture.
1/2 cup butter, melted: Helps the cracker topping turn perfectly golden and adds luscious richness.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for even cooking and keeps the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. This mixture is the soul of the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping—each ingredient adding creaminess, tang, crunch, or smoke.

Step 3: Pour and Level

Transfer the combined filling to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until well combined. Gently sprinkle this golden, crumbly mixture over the top of the casserole to create that signature Ritz crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is gloriously browned and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma wafting from the oven will let you know it’s about ready!

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping

Garnishes

To make your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping look as amazing as it tastes, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions right before serving. These bright green touches add fresh flavor and a welcoming burst of color.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. These offer a crisp contrast that balances the casserole’s rich and creamy nature.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a tiny sprig of thyme or a few toasted almond slivers for texture. Alternatively, present the entire casserole on a rustic wooden board surrounded by complementing side dishes, inviting everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This preserves the flavors while preventing the cracker topping from losing its crispness too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven set around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the casserole from becoming soggy, preserving the delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?

Yes, but make sure to cook and shred the chicken before mixing it into the casserole to achieve the best texture and ease of assembly.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in the topping?

You can use buttery bread crumbs or crushed buttery crackers of your choice, but Ritz crackers provide a unique buttery crunch that complements the casserole wonderfully.

Is the hot sauce necessary in the recipe?

While optional, the hot sauce adds a subtle kick that brightens the flavors. You can adjust the amount or omit it according to your taste preferences.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free buttery cracker alternative.

How can I make this casserole more vegetable-packed?

Feel free to stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or diced bell peppers into the filling before baking to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so soul-satisfying about the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping that feels like a warm hug in food form. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this casserole delivers a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and smoky flavors all in one dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your own rotation of favorite comfort foods—it’s a total winner every time!

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Ritz Topping

Print Recipe

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4.1 from 55 reviews

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring shredded cooked chicken mixed with a creamy sauce of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, combined with sharp Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, crunchy slivered almonds, smoky bacon, and a touch of hot sauce. Topped with a buttery crushed cracker crust, it is baked to golden perfection, making it a quick and easy dinner that serves 8 people.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Yield: 8 servings (1 9×13-inch casserole) 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, crumbled cooked bacon, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until well blended.
Prepare Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Top Casserole: Evenly spread the buttered cracker mixture over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy crust layer.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Notes

You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
Make sure the chicken is well shredded to help the flavors meld evenly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the crackers with gluten-free buttery crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal.