Neiman Marcus chicken isn’t just another casserole—it’s a comfort food legend wrapped in creamy layers of nostalgia. Known for its rich blend of tender chicken, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and slivered almonds, this dish was made famous by the luxury store’s café and later became a viral home kitchen favorite. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a cozy weeknight dinner, or simply craving something hearty and soulful, this casserole delivers. In this article, I’ll share how this dish became personal to me, guide you step-by-step through the recipe, and show you how to give it your own flavorful twist.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
My Story Behind Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
A dish that crossed cultures and generations
Neiman Marcus chicken first came into my life in the most unexpected way. Back when I was a teenager helping out at my father’s seafood stand near the old pier in Monterey, a regular customer—an elegant woman who had lived in Dallas—asked if we ever made chicken casseroles. My father and I exchanged amused glances. Chicken? At a seafood stall? She laughed, then shared a recipe she claimed was “as famous as Neiman Marcus itself.”
That night, curiosity got the better of me. I went home, grabbed a skillet, and recreated it using what we had on hand—some leftover grilled chicken, miso paste for depth, and aged cheddar. The result? A strange yet comforting fusion of Neiman Marcus chicken and my Japanese roots. It reminded me of oyako donburi but baked into a bubbling casserole with crispy almond edges. It was bold, creamy, and savory—a new kind of soul food.
From then on, this dish became a go-to in my kitchen. I added it to our family dinners, and eventually to my own restaurant’s menu during staff meals. It’s not traditional Japanese cuisine, and it’s not fully American either—but that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a story of experimentation, identity, and joy baked into one golden-brown pan.
If you’re a fan of chicken with bold flavor twists, you’ll love our Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad or this tangy, crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad—both equally good for experimenting with flavor and texture.
The magic of creamy textures and savory layers
What makes Neiman Marcus chicken unforgettable isn’t just its reputation—it’s the texture symphony. The tender shredded chicken forms the foundation. Cream of chicken soup and sour cream give it a luscious, velvety body. Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cut through the richness. Fresh green onions add a lift. And the slivered almonds on top? That final crunch takes it from predictable to addictive.
This casserole is satisfying without being heavy, nostalgic yet open to innovation. It’s one of those dishes that gets requested again and again, especially during colder months. It fills the room with warmth before it even hits the plate. And if you’re like me, once you’ve made it once, it’ll become a staple.
Ingredients, Variations & Substitutions
Essential ingredients and why they work
The secret to a memorable Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is simple: balance. Creamy, salty, savory, and crunchy—all in one comforting bake. This legendary dish has been loved for decades, and here’s why each ingredient matters:
- Cooked chicken: For authentic Neiman Marcus chicken, use tender, well-seasoned meat—rotisserie works perfectly and saves time.
- Sour cream: It provides that signature creamy texture and subtle tang.
- Cream of chicken soup: A casserole classic that acts as a binding agent and flavor booster.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds depth.
- Green onions: Offer freshness and a mild bite that lightens the dish.
- Bacon: The smoky, salty crunch complements the rich base.
- Slivered almonds: The unmistakable crunchy topping that makes this Neiman Marcus chicken recipe stand out.
Each layer plays its part in creating the unique blend of textures and flavors that make Neiman Marcus chicken such an iconic dish.
Looking for more creative ways to enjoy chicken? Don’t miss our spicy-sweet Gochujang Chicken Bowls or vibrant Street Corn Chicken Bowls—they bring the same kind of craveable balance in a completely different form.
Smart substitutions and flavor upgrades
Want a lighter version of Neiman Marcus chicken? Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream or use low-sodium soup. Here are more customizations to make it yours:
- Try Monterey Jack or Gruyère in place of cheddar.
- Add toasted panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crispiness.
- Mix in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted garlic.
- Brighten the casserole with fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice.
- Drizzle truffle oil before baking for a gourmet edge.
No matter how you tweak it, Neiman Marcus chicken is a canvas of flavor. Keep its creamy soul, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep and assembly in under 20 minutes
Making Neiman Marcus chicken at home doesn’t require a culinary degree—just a few basic steps and a good casserole dish. Here’s how to bring this creamy, savory classic to life:
1. Prep the ingredients:
- Shred or cube 3 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie works great).
- Fry 6 slices of bacon until crispy and crumble them.
- Slice ½ cup of green onions.
- Lightly toast ½ cup of slivered almonds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes.
2. Mix the base:
In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- The cooked chicken
- Crumbled bacon
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until fully combined.
3. Assemble the casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese and the toasted almonds.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
You can easily prep Neiman Marcus chicken ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake—ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
For another crowd-pleasing bake, try our gooey Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders or snackable Bacon Parmesan Pickle Chips.
Baking, serving, and reheating
Once your Neiman Marcus chicken casserole is bubbling and golden, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The filling will firm up slightly, making each slice neater and more satisfying.
To store leftovers:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot. For best texture, avoid over-microwaving—bake if you want to keep the almond crunch.
This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as normal.
History, FAQs & Flavor Boosting Tips
Origins: Neiman Marcus, Nixon chicken & misconceptions
Despite the internet’s creative rumors, Neiman Marcus chicken was never a White House staple, nor is it tied to Richard Nixon. Some folks casually refer to it as “Nixon chicken”—likely because of its retro, mid-century vibe—but there’s no documented connection. The more reliable origin points to the Neiman Marcus café, where elegant comfort food was part of the menu during the department store’s heyday.
Over the years, the recipe morphed into a casserole shared on blogs, potluck tables, and dinner menus. Today, it’s a social media favorite with TikTok spins and shortcut variations. But no matter how it’s prepared, Neiman Marcus chicken always comes back to one thing: warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
If you’re into recipes that carry a touch of nostalgic indulgence, check out the creamy comfort of our Boursin Tomato Pasta with Salmon—a lighter, modern spin on rich tradition.
How to deepen the flavor
Even though Neiman Marcus chicken is packed with creamy, savory goodness, there are simple ways to elevate it even more:
- Add sautéed shallots or garlic to the base for richer depth.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or chives just before baking.
- A dash of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard gives a gentle kick.
- Sprinkle the top with crispy fried onions or garlic chips after baking.
- Replace a portion of the cheddar with gruyère or fontina for a more gourmet edge.
You can also add umami-rich ingredients from Japanese cuisine, like a teaspoon of white miso or a splash of tamari, blending flavor traditions like I did with my early version of this casserole.
For more umami-forward ideas, explore our fusion recipes that push traditional boundaries in bold, delicious ways.
FAQ Section
What is Neiman Marcus chicken?
Neiman Marcus chicken is a creamy, baked casserole made with chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, and slivered almonds. It’s rich, savory, and known for its golden crunchy topping.
Can you buy Neiman Marcus chicken broth?
No, Neiman Marcus does not sell its own chicken broth. For the best flavor, use a high-quality store-bought broth or make your own using bones, vegetables, and aromatics for a deeper homemade taste.
Why is it called Nixon chicken?
The term “Nixon chicken” is mostly anecdotal and not historically verified. Some believe it earned that nickname during the 70s due to its popularity, but there’s no official link to President Nixon. The more accurate name remains Neiman Marcus chicken.
How to improve the flavor of chicken casserole?
Boost the flavor by sautéing aromatics before adding, using fresh herbs, and topping with crispy elements like breadcrumbs or fried shallots. A splash of lemon juice or white wine can also brighten the creamy base.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Creamy, Crunchy, Comfort Food Done Right
Neiman Marcus Chicken is a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with chicken, bacon, cheddar, and almonds—a retro comfort food classic turned modern favorite.
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Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, cheddar, chicken, bacon, and green onions. Season to taste.
3. Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Top with remaining cheese and slivered almonds.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add Dijon mustard or herbs for a flavor boost.
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