Oh, let me tell you about a dish that has become a favorite in my kitchen: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole! Just saying the name brings up warm memories of cozy family dinners and friends gathered around the table, digging into something delicious. I stumbled upon this recipe a few years back, and I can honestly say it has earned a permanent place in my meal rotation. It’s so creamy, so cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying — perfect for those busy weeknights when I find I need a warm hug in food form.
If you’re anything like me, you too appreciate a meal that doesn’t just fill you up, but also makes your heart sing. This casserole checks all those boxes! It’s simple to make and loaded with comfort flavors that make you feel right at home. Plus, the combination of tenderness from the chicken and that buttery, crunchy stuffing on top? Heaven! Let me walk you through the way to create this ultimate comfort food.
What’s in Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Let’s break down the star players in this delightful casserole!
Cooked Chicken: You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover chicken from another meal. It’s a great way to repurpose!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This can of creamy goodness (10.5 oz) serves as a luscious binding agent for all those cozy flavors. It gives richness while also keeping the casserole moist.
Sour Cream: A cup of sour cream adds a delightful tanginess and creaminess, balancing all the flavors beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Because everything is better with cheese! Go for a good quality shredded cheddar — it adds that melty, cheesy goodness we all crave.
Celery and Onion: These veggies add a crunch and a depth of flavor. A cup of chopped celery and half a cup of chopped onion do the trick perfectly!
Chicken Broth: Half a cup of chicken broth boosts the flavor and keeps everything moist and tasty.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Just a sprinkle of these pantry staples elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The secret to that fabulous crunch on top! One package (6 oz) gives the casserole that comforting stuffing flavor we all love.
Butter: You’ll need half a cup of melted butter to coax the stuffing mix into your crunchy topping heaven.
Green Onions (for garnish): Just a sprinkle of sliced green onions brightens everything up!
Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Good for You?
Now, I must admit this casserole is definitely more on the indulgent side! But hey, life is all about balance, right? Here are a few things to consider:
Chicken: Packed with protein, the shredded chicken provides a filling base for the casserole.
Sour Cream and Cheddar Cheese: While these ingredients add creaminess and flavor, they can also contribute to the calorie count. If you’re looking to lighten this dish a bit, I sometimes swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use a reduced-fat cheese. It still tastes great!
Vegetables: Don’t underestimate the benefits of the celery and onion! They bring a nice crunch and vitamins to the party.
Stuffing Mix: This adds lots of flavor but also sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, using a low-sodium broth and being mindful with the added salt is a wise choice.
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup celery, chopped
– 1/2 cup onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 package (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
*Serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes.*
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
Let’s dive into the yummy instructions!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven is key to that golden perfection!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, celery, onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it’s all well blended and looks oh-so-good.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. The more even, the better your casserole cooks!
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with the melted butter. Stir it until the stuffing is thoroughly coated with that buttery goodness.
5. Now, sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Go ahead, pile it on — we want that crunchy top!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Trust me, it’ll be hard, but letting it sit will make serving easier.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions, and you’re ready to dig in!
Creative Twists on a Classic!
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, let me share some fun ideas to mix things up:
– **Add Veggies:** Toss in some frozen peas or corn to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
– **Spice It Up:** If you like a kick, adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can really elevate this dish.
– **Cheese Variety:** Mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
– **Make Ahead:** This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prep it the day before, cover it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
There you have it, my delightful friends! Now that you’re armed with this holy grail of comfort food, I encourage you to give it a whirl. I promise, every bite will transport you to your happy place! And once you make it, I would love to hear about your experience and any delicious twists you added. Let’s get cooking! 🍽️
