The Iconic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: A Timeless Recipe for Modern Tables
In the world of American retail, Neiman Marcus has always stood for more than just luxury fashion; it represents a lifestyle of refined taste. For decades, the department store’s famous tea rooms—like the legendary Zodiac Room in Dallas—have served as a sanctuary for shoppers seeking elegant, comforting fare.1 While their towering popovers are world-renowned, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole remains the “gold standard” of elevated home cooking.
This is not your average weekday “dump-and-bake” meal. This recipe is a masterclass in texture and balance, combining tender poached poultry with a sophisticated, creamy binder and a signature buttery crunch. It is the ultimate dish for bridge clubs, holiday brunches, or a cozy Sunday dinner where you want to bring a touch of the “ladies who lunch” tradition to your own dining room.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to recreate this heritage dish with the professional techniques required to achieve that specific, luxurious mouthfeel that made it a department store staple.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of the Neiman Marcus version lies in its aromatic complexity. While many chicken casseroles rely heavily on condensed soups, this version utilizes a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice to create a bright, tangy sauce that doesn’t feel weighed down. The inclusion of water chestnuts provides a refreshing architectural snap that prevents the dish from feeling monochromatic in texture.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. For the best results, use high-quality, full-fat dairy and fresh produce.
The Chicken Base
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4 cups cooked chicken breast, hand-shredded or cubed (approx.2 1.5 lbs)
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1 cup celery, finely diced
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1/2 cup yellow onion, finely minced
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1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained and roughly chopped
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1 cup high-quality mayonnaise (such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
The Signature Topping
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1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
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1.25 cups buttery round crackers (like Ritz), coarsely crushed
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional, for the traditional “Zodiac” look)3
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Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Oven Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the binder is smooth, fold in the diced celery, minced onion, and chopped water chestnuts. Finally, add the chicken, tossing gently until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Layer the Flavors
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring it reaches the edges of the dish.
4. Create the “Neiman Crunch”
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and the melted butter. If you are using slivered almonds, toss them in now. Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the cheese layer. The almonds provide a toasted, nutty finish that is a hallmark of the original recipe.
5. Bake and Set
Bake on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes. You are looking for the sauce to bubble vigorously around the edges and the cracker topping to turn a deep, golden brown.
Expert Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and ensures clean portions when scooping.
Expert Tips & Variations
Professional Culinary Advice
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The Chicken Method: While rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, poaching chicken breasts in a broth seasoned with thyme and bay leaves will result in a more tender, flavorful base.
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Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent it from melting smoothly.4 For that iconic gooey layer, grate a block of sharp cheddar by hand.
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Sauté the Aromatics: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, sauté the celery and onion in a teaspoon of butter for 3 minutes before adding them to the chicken. This removes the “raw” bite while keeping the flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
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The Crunch: If you are out of crackers, toasted Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a little paprika make an excellent substitute.
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The Tang: For a slightly lighter profile, you can replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
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The Garnish: A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the crackers before baking adds a beautiful color and a subtle hint of smoke.
Serving Suggestions
To balance the richness of the casserole, pair it with sides that offer high acidity or fresh crunch.
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Classic Pairings: Serve with a side of steamed green beans almondine or a crisp Bibb lettuce salad with a lemon-tarragon vinaigrette.
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The Tea Room Experience: Serve alongside a warm, airy popover and a small cup of clear chicken consommé.
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Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a dry Sparkling Rosé cuts through the creaminess of the sauce perfectly.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
Make-Ahead Directions
You can assemble the chicken and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add the cracker topping until the moment you are ready to bake to ensure it stays crispy.
Refrigeration & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to revive the crunch, or microwave on medium power if you’re in a hurry.
Freezing
Because this recipe contains a high ratio of mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing is not recommended. These emulsions tend to “break” or separate when thawed, resulting in an oily texture.
Preparation Timeline
| Phase | Time | Key Focus |
| Prep | 20 Mins | Dicing vegetables and shredding chicken. |
| Assembly | 5 Mins | Folding ingredients and layering. |
| Bake | 30 Mins | Achieving a golden-brown crust. |
| Rest | 10 Mins | Setting the sauce for serving. |
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approx. 1 cup)
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Calories: 490
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Protein: 29g
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Total Fat: 35g
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Saturated Fat: 13g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 740mg
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a masterclass in nostalgic comfort. It reminds us that some of the best culinary experiences aren’t found in five-star bistros, but in the heart of a beautifully appointed dining room where tradition is always on the menu.