Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Best Ever Comfort Food

I’ve always found the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole to be the best ever comfort food, hailing from mid-20th century Texas with its blend of creamy Southern flavors and upscale twists. It’s packed with shredded chicken, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, cheddar cheese, and rice for a hearty, gooey delight. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up for family dinners, and there’s plenty more on ingredients, steps, and tips coming up.

History

SAVE IT

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole originated in the mid-20th century in the United States, likely tied to the luxury department store’s Texas roots, where it emerged as a sophisticated take on American comfort food, blending creamy, hearty ingredients like chicken and cheese to reflect a blend of Southern and upscale culinary influences.

Regional variations across the South and Midwest often incorporate local twists, such as adding spicy seasonings in Texas or fresh herbs in the Northeast, signifying adaptations that highlight regional tastes and resource availability while maintaining the dish’s elegant simplicity.

Traditionally, it’s served at family gatherings, holiday potlucks, or as an easy weeknight meal, symbolizing warmth and hospitality in American home cooking.

Ingredients

SAVE IT

• 2 to 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces – You know, that hearty, juicy chicken forms the heart of this dish, pulling everything together like a trusty sidekick in the kitchen, wondering if it’ll ever get the spotlight it deserves.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup – This creamy base adds that smooth, velvety touch, almost like sneaking in a little comfort without anyone noticing, because who doesn’t appreciate a shortcut that feels downright sneaky?
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup – Paired with its buddy, it builds layers of flavor, turning simple into sophisticated, and me? I’d say it’s the unsung hero that keeps things from turning into a bland mess.
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, or whatever sharp cheese you have on hand – Go for that gooey melt that stretches just right, because cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it, like a warm hug on a plate that you can’t help but smile about.
• 1 cup of cooked rice, preferably long-grain for that fluffy vibe – This soaks up all the goodness, acting as the dependable base, and if you’re like me, pondering why rice doesn’t get more credit for being the ultimate team player in casseroles.
• 1/2 cup of diced onion – Those little bits bring a subtle crunch and sweetness, sneaking in some veggie action that might just fool the picky eaters, all while I imagine it whispering, “Hey, add me for that extra pop.”
• 1/2 cup of diced celery – With its fresh, crisp edge, it adds a bit of green without overwhelming the show, like that friend who shows up just to lighten the mood, you know?
• 1/2 cup of milk, whole or skim, depending on how rich you want it – This thins out the mix nicely, making it pourable yet creamy, and isn’t it funny how a simple splash can turn ordinary into oh-so-inviting?
• 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste, because everyone’s palate is a mystery – Just a sprinkle to wake up the flavors, though I always think, what if we overdo it and end up with a salty surprise, like that time you meant well but, well, didn’t?
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy – It adds a kick without the fuss, that little zing that says, “Hello, depth,” and me, I’d exaggerate it’s like pepper’s way of showing off, playfully stealing the scene.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic – For those who like a hint of punch, it amps up the savoriness, making you wonder if it’s the secret weapon or just another ingredient playing hard to get.
• Optional: A handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, chopped fine – If you’re in a regional mood, toss these in for that herbal whisper, because who says a casserole can’t get a little upscale without trying too hard, right?
• Optional: A dash of cayenne pepper for some Texas-style heat – Just a touch to spice things up, turning mild into memorable, and isn’t it amusing how a little fire can make you rethink the whole recipe, like it’s winking at you?

There, that’s the lineup for a classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, all set to mix and mingle into something truly special.

Cooking Steps

SAVE IT

Let’s jump into making this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, a cozy dish that brings everything together in one pan, like a reliable friend showing up with dinner. You’ll start by gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, because getting that right sets the stage for a bake that’s just right. Now, with 2 to 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces, mix it in a large bowl with the other stars of the show, creating a base that’s hearty and full of potential.

First, in that same bowl, combine 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup**** and 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup** with 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until it’s smooth and creamy—think of it as giving your casserole that inviting, velvety hug without any fuss. Add 1 cup of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, tossing everything gently so the flavors start to mingle, like they’re getting to know each other at a casual gathering. If you’re in the mood for extra zest, sprinkle in that optional 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese**, watching it all come together into a mix that’s downright irresistible.

Once your mixture is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly—after all, who wants uneven bites when you’re aiming for perfection? Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top turns a golden brown, giving you that satisfying moment where simple ingredients transform into something special. And there you have it, a casserole that’s easy to pull off, even on a busy day, leaving you wondering why you don’t make it more often with its comforting layers of flavor.

Tips and Variations

SAVE IT

When it comes to tweaking your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, don’t hesitate to play around with the basics for a fresh twist, like swapping out the cream of chicken soup for a lighter cream of celery version if you’re watching your calories—after all, who says comfort food can’t sneak in a little health boost?

You could amp up the veggies with a handful of diced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch, or if you’re in the mood for a protein punch, toss in some crumbled bacon or even substitute that cooked chicken with turkey for a lighter bite, making it feel like you’re reinventing the wheel without breaking a sweat.

And here’s a fun thought, what if you sprinkle on a layer of crushed crackers instead of just cheese for that golden top—it’s like giving your casserole a surprise party, keeping things exciting without overcomplicating your kitchen adventure.

Tools