Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with tender chicken, crispy cornflakes on top, and a rich, comforting sauce. It’s the kind of casserole that feels…
Tip: save now, cook later.Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with tender chicken, crispy cornflakes on top, and a rich, comforting sauce. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to the soft, creamy layers underneath.
I love making this casserole when I want something simple but special. It’s one of those recipes that shows up at family gatherings or potlucks because everyone knows it’s tasty and filling. I always use fresh chicken and a good mix of cheeses to make it extra delicious, and the crispy topping never fails to get compliments. It’s a great way to use some pantry staples and turn them into a comforting meal.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven with a side of fresh green veggies or a simple salad. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and pop in the oven when you’re ready, which makes it perfect for busy days. I’ve also found that leftovers taste just as good, making it a convenient go-to for the next day. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like home and is quick to set on the table, this casserole fits the bill perfectly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flavorful. If you don’t have one, boiled or baked chicken breasts work just as well.
Egg Noodles: They give a soft, tender base. You can swap for other pasta like penne or rotini if you want a different texture, but cook them just until tender.
Peas & Mushrooms: Frozen peas add a touch of sweetness and color. You could use canned mushrooms or even fresh sautéed ones depending on what you have.
Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream & Soup: These combine for a creamy sauce. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option. If you’re out of cream cheese, add a bit more mayo and sour cream for richness.
Cheese: Cheddar and Parmesan provide both melty texture and sharp flavor. You can try mozzarella or Gruyère if you want a milder or different cheese profile.
Cornflake Topping: This is the crunch star of the dish! Crushed Ritz crackers are a tasty alternative that adds buttery flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can work too, if you like a lighter crunch.
How Do I Get That Perfect Crispy Topping on the Casserole?
The secret to the crispy topping is mixing the crushed cornflakes or crackers with melted butter. This helps them brown nicely in the oven instead of drying out.
- Start by crushing the cornflakes or crackers evenly but not too fine.
- Toss them in melted butter until every piece is coated—this adds flavor and promotes browning.
- Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole; avoid thick clumps to get even crispiness.
- Bake uncovered so moisture can escape, allowing the topping to get golden and crunchy during the last 10-15 minutes.
Keep an eye on it near the end to prevent burning. A golden brown crust means you’ve nailed it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the casserole ingredients and bake evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine the creamy sauce and chicken mixture without spilling.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with mayo, sour cream, spices, and cheese.
- Spoon or spatula – helps mix ingredients gently without breaking up chicken too much.
- Small bowl – for mixing the crunchy topping with melted butter before sprinkling.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish coming out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey to use leftover Thanksgiving meat; it adds a nice twist and stays moist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or green beans for extra veggies and a bit of earthiness.
- Try mixing in cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor that pairs well with creamy sauce.
- Use sharp white cheddar or smoked Gouda instead of regular cheddar to boost cheese flavor.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 small can (2.25 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. In total, plan for about an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir these until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, thawed peas, drained mushrooms, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder into the sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly, making sure everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with melted butter. Mix well so each crumb is coated in butter. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole looks hot and bubbly.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat.
Can I Substitute the Cornflake Topping?
Definitely! Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs make excellent alternatives and still give a deliciously crispy, buttery topping.