Neiman Marcus Chicken

If you love a creamy casserole but crave a restaurant-level twist, this Neiman Marcus Chicken will be your new weeknight hero. I first tasted a version of it at a friend’s potluck and was stunned by how a simple yogurt-cheddar topping baked into a golden, bubbly crust while keeping the chicken unbelievably moist. After a few experiments in my own kitchen, swapping heavier ingredients for lighter stand-ins and dialing up the crunch, I realized it could be prepped in minutes and still feel fancy enough for company. Think of it as comfort food with a couture attitude: minimal prep, maximum payoff, and zero leftovers.

Key Benefits of Neiman Marcus Chicken

1. Effortless yet impressive: Stir one bowl of topping, spread, bake, done. Ideal for busy nights.
   
2. Protein-packed: Chicken breast plus Greek yogurt and cheddar deliver about 38 g of protein per serving (based on USDA data).
   
3. Better-for-you creamy texture: Yogurt replaces heavier cream soups, trimming saturated fat without losing richness.
   
4. Customizable crunch: Pecans or almonds stay crisp in the oven, adding healthy fats and a gourmet feel.
   
5. Prep-ahead friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours early; refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready for a no-stress dinner.
   

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken (about 10 min)

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190 °C) and mist a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
   
2. Blot the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until no surface moisture remains, then lightly dust both sides with salt and pepper.
   
3. Arrange the chicken pieces flat in the greased baking dish, making sure they don’t overlap.
   

Kitchen tip: An even layer means each piece cooks at the same pace and stays juicy.

2. Stir Together the Topping (about 5 min)

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped chives, and hot sauce.
   
2. Taste for seasoning; cheddar and bacon bring plenty of salt, so add more only if needed.
   
3. Fold in half of the chopped nuts, keeping the mixture thick and airy rather than over-stirred.
   

3. Assemble and Bake (25–35 min)

1. Spoon the creamy mixture over every chicken breast, covering completely.
   
2. Scatter the remaining nuts across the top for a crisp finish.
   
3. Roast on the middle rack for about 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
   
4. If you like extra color, broil during the last 2 minutes, watching closely so the nuts do not burn.
   
5. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle inside the meat.
   

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian
  
  • For a vegetarian twist, substitute sturdy cauliflower “steaks” or generously cut slabs of extra-firm tofu in place of the chicken.
    
  • Roast the cauliflower steaks for roughly 20 minutes or the tofu slabs for about 25 minutes, pulling the dish once the coating is actively bubbling and the center feels piping hot.
    
• Gluten-Free (built-in)
  
  • The base recipe is naturally gluten-free.
    
  • For extra crunch without nuts, sprinkle crushed rice cereal over the topping.
    
• Kid-Friendly
  
  • Skip the hot sauce or use just a few drops.
    
  • Swap sharp cheddar for mild and replace nuts with crushed whole-grain crackers to win over picky eaters.
    
• Low-Carb / Keto
  
  • Choose full-fat Greek yogurt, omit the mayo, and double the nut topping for more healthy fats.
    
• Freezer Make-Ahead
  
  • Assemble in a disposable foil pan, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
  • Bake from frozen at 350°F for 55 minutes covered, then uncover 10 minutes to brown.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken with fresh, colorful sides that add crunch and brightness:

• Quick lemon-garlic green beans: trim the beans, sauté them in a bit of olive oil, and perk them up at the end with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  
• Herbed quinoa pilaf – the nutty grains soak up the casserole’s juices without competing flavors.
  
• Crisp romaine salad tossed in a light honey-mustard vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  
• Roasted baby carrots glazed with a drizzle of maple syrup make the plate pop with natural sweetness.
  
• Beverage match: a chilled sparkling water with sliced citrus keeps things refreshing; for something cozier, serve hot chamomile tea.
  

Tips for Success

1. Knife work matters – slice chicken (or cauliflower steaks) to equal thickness so each piece finishes at the same time.
   
2. Use a metal thermometer rather than relying on bake times alone; pull poultry at exactly 165°F for juicy results.
   
3. Shred your own cheese – bagged shreds contain starches that can dull the sauce.
   
4. Add nuts at the end of mixing so they stay distinct instead of softening in the yogurt base.
   
5. Let it rest five minutes before plating; this brief pause firms the topping and keeps the first spoonful picture-perfect.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope this third and final section rounds out your Neiman Marcus Chicken adventure, complete with vibrant sides, pro tips, and answers to the questions people ask most. Have fun customizing, and may every bite bring that perfect blend of comfort and elegance to your table

Neiman Marcus Chicken

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• Author: Danielle
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy chicken topped with bacon and buttery cracker crunch, weeknight easy, restaurant fancy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Creamy Layer

• 1 ½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (250 g) plain Greek yogurt (2 % or whole)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4 slices)
• ½ cup sliced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
• ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds (or pecans)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  

Crunchy Topping

• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (≈ 30 Ritz-style), lightly crushed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

• Preheat & Prep

Heat oven to 375 °F / 190 °C. Lightly grease a 9 × 13 in (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.

• Blend the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, cheddar, bacon, green onions, almonds, garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until combined. It should be thick and scoopable.

• Assemble

Lay chicken breasts in the dish. Spoon the yogurt-cheddar mix over the top, spreading to cover each piece.

• Add the Crunch

Stir the cracker crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.

• Bake

Bake 35–40 minutes (or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165 °F / 75 °C and the topping is golden).

• Serve

Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.

Notes

• Shortcut: Substitute 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce bake time to about 25 minutes just until bubbly.
• Heat Bump: Add a pinch of cayenne or swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack.
• Nut-Free: Omit almonds and add 2 tablespoons extra cracker crumbs.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to the cracker step, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add crumbs just before baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace crackers with gluten-free butter crackers or crushed cornflakes.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Cook Time: 38 min
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ~250 g
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Protein: 41 g

Keywords: neiman marcus chicken, creamy chicken casserole, crunchy cracker topping, easy baked chicken, weeknight comfort food