Discover the timeless elegance of the classic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. This recipe brings the legendary taste of the Zodiac Room restaurant straight to your kitchen. It’s a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish that has delighted diners for decades. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and savory mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, cheesy crust. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results, making you feel like a gourmet chef without the fuss. Let’s dive into how to create this iconic casserole at home.
What is the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole?
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a famous dish that originated from the department store’s iconic restaurant, The Zodiac. It was created by Helen Corbitt, the legendary culinary director for Neiman Marcus, who was known for her simple yet elegant recipes. This dish became a signature item, beloved for its rich flavor and comforting qualities. Our copycat recipe honors that tradition, giving you a taste of pure culinary history.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of sherry creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Simple to Prepare: Despite its gourmet reputation, this casserole is surprisingly easy to assemble. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but comforting enough for a casual family meal. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish. Looking for another impressive yet easy meal? Try our Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This is the kind of dish that gets rave reviews. The cheesy, crunchy topping and creamy interior are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded. A rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a shortcut.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Forms the rich, savory base of the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Sour Cream: Contributes to the smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Mushrooms: Freshly sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth.
- Celery: Provides a subtle, fresh crunch.
- Onion: Finely chopped for an aromatic foundation.
- Slivered Almonds: Toasted almonds add a fantastic nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Dry Sherry: A secret ingredient that adds a touch of sophisticated flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for the perfectly cheesy topping.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs work well.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
How to Make the Original Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious casserole.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly golden. This simple step makes a huge difference in flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir until everything is well-mixed. Next, gently fold in the sauteed mushrooms, chopped celery, finely chopped onion, half of the toasted almonds, and the dry sherry. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs until the crumbs are fully coated. In another bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the remaining toasted almonds. Sprinkle the cheese and almond mixture evenly over the chicken base, then top it off with the buttered breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. For another fantastic casserole idea, check out our Easy Chicken Biscuit Casserole.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chicken: The better the chicken, the better the casserole. Using a freshly roasted chicken will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Sherry: The dry sherry adds a subtle depth of flavor that is key to the authentic Neiman Marcus taste. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of the almonds and ensures they stay crunchy in the casserole.
- Fresh is Best: While canned mushrooms work in a pinch, fresh sauteed mushrooms provide a much better texture and flavor.
What to Serve with This Casserole
This creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus are all excellent choices. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some fluffy rice or egg noodles. If you enjoy pasta dishes, you might also love this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta (coming soon).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave. For the best results, reheat the casserole in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps the topping stay crispy.
- To Freeze: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the topping right before you bake it, adding about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute the dry sherry with an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar for a bit of acidity.
The dish was created by Helen Corbitt, the famed culinary director for Neiman Marcus’s Zodiac Room restaurant. It became one of the restaurant’s most beloved and iconic dishes, known for its elegant yet comforting flavor.
A good quality sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melts beautifully, creating a delicious cheesy crust that complements the creamy filling.
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the topping right before you bake it, adding about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute the dry sherry with an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar for a bit of acidity.
The dish was created by Helen Corbitt, the famed culinary director for Neiman Marcus’s Zodiac Room restaurant. It became one of the restaurant’s most beloved and iconic dishes, known for its elegant yet comforting flavor.
A good quality sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melts beautifully, creating a delicious cheesy crust that complements the creamy filling.
A Timeless Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of American culinary history. It’s a dish that proves simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly special. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this beloved classic. If you try it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. If you haven't already, toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, sauteed mushrooms, celery, onion, half of the toasted almonds, and dry sherry. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and breadcrumbs. In another small bowl, toss the shredded cheddar cheese with the remaining toasted almonds.
- Sprinkle the cheese and almond mixture over the casserole, followed by the buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
