There are some dishes so iconic they transport you with a single bite, and the legendary Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is one of them. This isn’t just any weeknight meal; it’s a taste of sophisticated comfort, born from the famous Zodiac Room restaurant. Imagine tender chicken and earthy mushrooms enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sherry-infused sauce, all topped with crunchy, golden-brown almonds. It’s the kind of effortlessly elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet special enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Get ready to master this timeless classic in your own kitchen.
Baked to perfection with a crunchy, golden almond topping.
What Makes This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole So Famous?
The allure of this dish lies in its history and its perfectly balanced flavors. It was created by Helen Corbitt, the culinary director for Neiman Marcus, and served in their elegant Zodiac Room restaurant. It quickly became a signature dish, beloved for its simple yet refined taste. The combination of tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce with a hint of sherry, and the textural contrast of mushrooms and toasted almonds makes it an unforgettable meal. It’s a true testament to the idea that simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients for an Unforgettable Casserole
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy casserole:
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show. Using a rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast and flavorful.
Mushrooms: Provide a wonderful earthy depth.
Celery & Onion: The aromatic base that builds the flavor foundation.
Butter & Flour: To create the roux that thickens our creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream: The dynamic duo for a rich, luscious sauce.
Dry Sherry: The secret ingredient that provides a signature nutty, complex flavor.
Slivered Almonds: For that essential crunchy topping.
Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour in the heavy cream and sherry, then let it simmer gently until the sauce has thickened.
Combine the Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the top, along with a dash of paprika for color. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the almonds are golden brown.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Casserole
Want to ensure your Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips from our kitchen to yours.
Use Quality Chicken: The flavor of your chicken matters. A freshly roasted or rotisserie chicken will provide the best taste and texture.
Don’t Skip the Sherry: Dry sherry provides a unique depth of flavor that is characteristic of this dish. If you must substitute, use a dry white wine or a splash of white wine vinegar.
Toast the Almonds: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top of the casserole.
The rich and creamy sauce is the heart of this incredible casserole.
Delicious Recipe Variations
While the classic recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few variations to try:
Add Cheese: For an extra layer of savory goodness, fold in a cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese into the sauce.
Incorporate Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like steamed asparagus tips or frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition. A hearty vegetable casserole can also be a great source of inspiration.
Crumb Topping: Mix the almonds with panko breadcrumbs and a little melted butter for an extra-crunchy topping.
If you’re looking for another comforting chicken dish, this Crack Chicken Penne is always a crowd-pleaser.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is wonderfully rich, so it pairs best with simple, fresh side dishes. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or a side of fluffy white rice are all excellent choices to complete your meal.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
One of the best things about this casserole is that it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal.
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
To Freeze: You can freeze the casserole baked or unbaked. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 20-30 minutes to the baking time, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole without the almond topping up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the almonds and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze it unbaked and tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, flavorful time-saver. Alternatively, you can use any cooked chicken, such as poached or baked chicken breasts. You’ll need about 4 cups of shredded or cubed meat.
While dry sherry provides a signature flavor, you can substitute it if needed. Use an equal amount of chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
Because the casserole is so rich and creamy, it pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or fluffy white rice are all excellent choices to round out the meal.
The Ultimate Comfort Dish
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history that brings elegance and comfort to your dinner table. We know you’ll love making and sharing this incredible dish. If you try it, let us know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
The best Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole recipe - a true classic!
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Recipe
FL Recipes
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole: The Legendary Recipe
Discover the iconic Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole recipe. This creamy, elegant dish features tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich sherry sauce, topped with crunchy almonds. Perfect for a special dinner.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they have released their liquid and started to brown.
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for one minute.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and sherry. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the cooked chicken until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the top of the casserole and dust with paprika.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the almonds are toasted and golden.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 30gFat: 40gFiber: 3g
Notes
For the best flavor, use a good quality dry sherry. A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. To get ahead, you can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Keyword Chicken and Mushroom Casserole,creamy chicken casserole,Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
