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Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole with Bacon, Cheddar and Buttery Ritz Topping

This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked dinner made with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and crunchy almonds. Finished with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping, this comforting chicken casserole delivers delicious flavor and a satisfying combination of textures. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Calories: 543
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1½ teaspoons hot sauce such as Tabasco®, or to taste
  • 1 sleeve buttery crackers such as Ritz®, crushed
  • ½ cup butter melted

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
  2. Prepare the chicken mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
  3. Add the remaining filling ingredients. Stir in the sliced green onions, slivered almonds, cooked crumbled bacon, and hot sauce. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and coated in the creamy sauce.
  4. Transfer to the baking dish. Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
  5. Make the buttery cracker topping. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter. Stir until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
  6. Add the topping. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, covering the chicken filling.
  7. Bake the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
  8. Rest briefly. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Serve warm. Divide into 8 portions and serve with your favorite vegetables or side dishes.

Notes

  • Use fully cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe.
  • Cooking and crumbling the bacon ahead of time makes assembly quicker. Bacon can also be cooked in the microwave.
  • The hot sauce can be adjusted to taste.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. For the crispiest topping, add the buttered crackers just before baking.
  • If baking directly from the refrigerator, additional cooking time may be needed to heat the center thoroughly.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • The casserole is ready when the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.