Description
This Neiman Marcus Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory chicken casserole prepared quickly in the Instant Pot. With tender chicken, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, crunchy almonds, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this comforting dish is perfect for any family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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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
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For the Topping:
- 12 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare and Pressure Cook Chicken: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Cover the Instant Pot, seal the valve, and cook on LOW pressure for 15 minutes for frozen chicken, or 12 minutes for fresh. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred or chop it into bite-size pieces. Set aside for later use.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Activate the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the pot and cook until the sauce is thickened. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and sour cream. Temper this mixture by stirring in about half a cup of the hot sauce from the Instant Pot, then add it back to the main pot along with the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, sliced green onions, sliced almonds, and hot sauce. Stir until everything is combined and the cheese is melted.
- Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping: In another bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole in the Instant Pot.
- Crisp the Topping (Optional): If you have an air fryer lid for your Instant Pot, place it on top and bake at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Spoon the Neiman Marcus Casserole over hot cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breast or thighs; frozen works just as well as fresh.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot air fryer lid, you can transfer the mixture to a broiler-safe dish and broil in the oven until the topping is golden.
- For added flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of paprika to the seasoning mix.
- This casserole is best served warm and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
