Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
A creamy Texas classic made with rotisserie chicken, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and bacon under a buttery Ritz cracker topping. One dish, about 20 minutes of prep, and it feeds a crowd.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- large mixing bowl
- large skillet for the bacon
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about one rotisserie chicken)
- 1 10.5oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup full fat sour cream
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (I like Crystal's)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (coarsely crushed)
- 4 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for the top.
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, green onions, almonds, remaining bacon, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold gently so the chicken stays in distinct shreds.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated, then scatter over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges bubble and the topping is deep golden brown. Tent with foil if it browns too fast.
- Scatter the reserved bacon over the top and let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Shred the cheddar off a block for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch and can turn slightly grainy.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, but hold the cracker topping until just before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the bake time when starting cold.
- Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
- To freeze, assemble without the topping and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add the buttered crackers, and bake as directed.
- Serve over buttered rice to stretch the pan for a bigger group.