Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
A retro classic featuring creamy chicken, noodles, and cheese with a crunchy almond topping. Comfort food at its finest.
Details
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (12 oz) egg noodles, cooked
- 2 cans (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix soup, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, onions, and celery.
- 3
Fold in cooked chicken and noodles until evenly coated.
- 4
Transfer mixture to the baking dish.
- 5
Toss almonds and breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top.
- 6
Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- 7
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
About This Recipe
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a culinary time capsule, a beloved artifact from an era when department store restaurants were arbiters of sophisticated comfort food. Originating, as its name suggests, from the iconic Neiman Marcus department store, this casserole embodies mid-century American indulgence. What makes it truly special is the masterful blend of textures and rich, savory flavors: tender shredded chicken and al dente egg noodles are bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce built from classic cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and milk, elevated by sharp cheddar. The magic continues with a vibrant crunch from fresh chopped onions and celery, but the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the golden, nutty topping of toasted slivered almonds and panko breadcrumbs, sautéed in butter. Key techniques include ensuring the chicken is cooked just right and shredded for optimal texture, and properly cooking the egg noodles to avoid a mushy result. Ingredient notes: while canned soup is traditional, a homemade béchamel with sautéed mushrooms can elevate it further. Common variations often include adding a touch of dry sherry to the sauce for depth or experimenting with different cheeses like gruyere. Serve this comforting classic with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to balance its richness, perhaps alongside some warm, crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, promising warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful.
Tips & Tricks
- • To achieve the best texture for your topping, lightly toast the slivered almonds and panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until fragrant before tossing with melted butter; this ensures maximum crispness and nutty flavor.
- • For a slightly lighter take with more complex flavor, consider substituting one can of cream of mushroom soup with a homemade béchamel sauce infused with sautéed fresh mushrooms and a touch of dry sherry.
- • This casserole can be fully assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated before baking; simply add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
- • Pair this rich and comforting casserole with a vibrant, peppery arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the creaminess and add a refreshing contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)