Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this for stovetop or oven cooking. For stovetop, simmer the chicken in broth with seasonings until tender (about 20-25 minutes), then proceed with making the sauce. For oven, bake seasoned chicken with broth at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then continue with the recipe.

Why is it called Neiman Marcus Casserole?

This casserole gets its name from the famous department store's restaurant recipe that was widely shared and beloved. The distinctive combination of chicken, cheese, bacon, and almonds with a Ritz cracker topping created a dish elegant enough for the Neiman Marcus name!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides the same tangy creaminess while adding extra protein.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

While this is a dairy-heavy recipe, you can substitute dairy-free milk, dairy-free cheese, and coconut cream (instead of sour cream) for a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Neiman Marcus Casserole Recipe

Name: Neiman Marcus Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Casserole:; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 20 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs (frozen is okay); 1 tsp poultry seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup bacon crumbles; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce; For the Topping:; 12 Ritz crackers, crushed; 2 Tbsp melted butter

This Neiman Marcus Casserole is a true game-changer for busy weeknights! Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this comforting dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy almonds topped with buttery Ritz crackers. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s the perfect solution when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of flavors creates a restaurant-quality meal that your family will request again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking time, this casserole is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
Crowd Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with bacon and that irresistible Ritz cracker topping makes this a dish everyone will love. Even picky eaters can’t resist!
Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread – it works beautifully with whatever you have on hand.
Comfort Food at its Finest: This casserole delivers that homemade, stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction that only the best comfort foods can provide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors. Works with breasts or thighs – use what you prefer or have on hand.
Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful base for our sauce and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt: This blend of seasonings creates the perfect savory foundation.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that transforms the broth into a velvety sauce.
Milk and sour cream: These create the creamy, rich texture that makes this casserole so indulgent.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Use sharp for maximum flavor impact – it adds that gorgeous golden color and delicious tang.
Bacon crumbles: Provides a smoky, savory element that elevates the entire dish.
Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and lovely color contrast.
Sliced almonds: The secret ingredient that gives this casserole its distinctive Neiman Marcus character with delightful crunch.
Hot sauce: Just enough to enhance flavors without making it spicy – trust me on this one!
Ritz crackers and butter: Creates that irresistible golden, buttery topping that takes this dish to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey for an even quicker preparation. Cooked ham works beautifully too!

Veggie Additions

Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cheese Options

Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Make It Lower Carb

Skip the base (rice/potatoes) and serve with a large side salad or steamed vegetables.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Casserole

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Pour chicken broth into your Instant Pot and add the chicken. Season with poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook for 15 minutes on LOW pressure for frozen chicken (12 minutes for fresh). When done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before venting.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, combine milk and sour cream with about half a cup of the hot sauce from the pot (this prevents curdling). Pour this mixture back into the pot.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, almonds, and hot sauce to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the chicken mixture. If you have an air fryer lid, use it to crisp the top for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the hot casserole over rice, mashed potatoes, or serve with crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Temperature: If using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw it first – this recipe works beautifully straight from the freezer!
Perfect Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cornstarch, you can always add a bit more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
Tempering Technique: Don’t skip the step of mixing some hot liquid with the sour cream and milk before adding to the pot – this prevents curdling and ensures a smooth sauce.
Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers while still in their sleeve for less mess, or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairings

Serve this rich casserole over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles for a truly satisfying meal.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also work wonderfully.

Bread Options

A slice of crusty French bread or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare through Step 5 (before adding the cracker topping), cool completely, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Add the cracker topping just before reheating for maximum crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as good.

FAQs

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this for stovetop or oven cooking. For stovetop, simmer the chicken in broth with seasonings until tender (about 20-25 minutes), then proceed with making the sauce. For oven, bake seasoned chicken with broth at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then continue with the recipe.
Why is it called Neiman Marcus Casserole?

This casserole gets its name from the famous department store’s restaurant recipe that was widely shared and beloved. The distinctive combination of chicken, cheese, bacon, and almonds with a Ritz cracker topping created a dish elegant enough for the Neiman Marcus name!
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides the same tangy creaminess while adding extra protein.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

While this is a dairy-heavy recipe, you can substitute dairy-free milk, dairy-free cheese, and coconut cream (instead of sour cream) for a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Casserole has become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without stress. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible cracker topping that makes everyone at the table feel special. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or serving guests, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try – I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!