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The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

The Famous Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish, perfect for potlucks and family dinners. It features a wonderfully balanced mix of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy almonds in a creamy base, all topped with buttery, toasted crackers. This simple recipe is easy to assemble, especially with leftover chicken, and transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well!)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained (optional but recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar 2.5 to 3-quart casserole dish.
  2. Toast the Almonds: If your almonds aren't already toasted, spread them on a small baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly! Set them aside.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, chopped onion, toasted almonds, and the well-drained crushed pineapple. Gently stir everything together until it's evenly distributed.
  4. Create the Creamy Base: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and the condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, keeping in mind the soup is already salty.
  5. Combine and Assemble: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Fold everything together gently until all the ingredients are well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In another small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy it warm!

Notes

For the best flavor, toast the almonds before adding them. Ensure the crushed pineapple is drained very well to prevent a watery consistency. The casserole can be assembled (without the topping) up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Substitutions: toasted pecans or walnuts for almonds; panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for crackers; cream of celery or mushroom soup for cream of chicken.