Delicious Neiman Marcus Chicken Recipe That Will Impress Your Guests

Introduction

Have you ever tasted a chicken dish so creamy, so flavorful, and so memorable that it haunts your taste buds for days? That’s exactly what this Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe delivers. This legendary dish has been making rounds in home kitchens for decades, and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken breasts, a rich cream sauce, and a crispy buttery topping creates an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures that will leave your dinner guests begging for your cooking secrets.

Whether you’re planning a special family dinner, hosting a dinner party, or simply want to elevate your weeknight meat offerings, this Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe provides the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The dish originated from the famous Neiman Marcus department store’s restaurants, where it quickly became a customer favorite. Now, you can recreate this restaurant-quality chicken recipe right in your own kitchen with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The creamy sauce blankets perfectly cooked chicken, while the crunchy topping adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, and it’s ready to become your new go-to meat recipe for impressing family and friends alike.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 (about 2 pounds)	Pounded to even thickness
Cream cheese	8 ounces	Softened
Cream of chicken soup	1 can (10.5 ounces)	Undiluted
Butter	1/2 cup (1 stick)	Divided
White wine	1/4 cup	Dry variety (can substitute chicken broth)
Dried Italian herbs	1 tablespoon	Mix of oregano, basil, and thyme
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon	To taste
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	To taste
Ritz crackers	1 sleeve (about 30 crackers)	Crushed
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 43g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 1230mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: This hearty meat recipe is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a satisfying main dish. The calorie count can be reduced by using light cream cheese and reduced-fat soup.

Preparation Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Neiman Marcus Chicken dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures the meat cooks evenly.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
6. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it), reduce heat to medium and add the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken.
2. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt.
3. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and stir to combine with the cream cheese.
4. Add the garlic powder and dried Italian herbs, stirring until well incorporated.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, melt the remaining butter (6 tablespoons) in the microwave.
3. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well combined.
4. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
6. Allow the Neiman Marcus Chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe pairs beautifully with several sides to create a complete, satisfying meal:

• Serve over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Pair with steamed asparagus or green beans for a pop of color and freshness.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken dish.
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes complement the creamy nature of this meat recipe perfectly.
• For a lighter option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, brussels sprouts, or broccoli.

For an elegant presentation, place the chicken on a warmed serving platter, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with additional fresh herbs. This transforms a simple chicken recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Pro Tips

Follow these professional tips to make your Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe even more outstanding:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to fully soften at room temperature for easier blending into a smooth sauce.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing: Taking the time to sear the chicken before baking adds significant flavor to both the meat and the sauce.
3. Thin Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for consistent cooking. This simple step ensures your meat recipe turns out perfectly every time.
4. Make Ahead Option: This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Just add the cracker topping right before baking and increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.
7. Cracker Alternatives: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, other buttery crackers work well, or try panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan for an equally delicious topping.

Variations

Customize this classic Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

1. Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter to the sauce for an earthy depth of flavor that complements the creamy base.
2. Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage into both the sauce and the cracker topping for a fragrant variation of this meat recipe.
3. Lighter Alternative: Use light cream cheese, reduced-fat soup, and olive oil instead of some of the butter to create a lighter version that still delivers on flavor.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that balances the richness of this chicken recipe.
5. Swiss Cheese Upgrade: Layer thin slices of Swiss cheese on top of the chicken before adding the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
6. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this chicken recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything except the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker mixture just before baking and increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze this meat recipe, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cracker topping. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, add the fresh cracker topping, and bake as directed.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soup, make a quick substitute by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour, then slowly adding 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of cream, simmering until thickened.

Why is it called Neiman Marcus Chicken?

This chicken recipe gets its name from the Neiman Marcus department store, which served a similar dish in their restaurants. It became so popular that the recipe spread widely, becoming a classic American meat dish.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay more tender. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

This Neiman Marcus Chicken recipe delivers everything you could want in a comfort food dish – creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying. The contrast between the tender chicken, rich sauce, and crispy topping creates a dining experience that feels special yet requires minimal effort to prepare. It’s the perfect representation of why home-cooked meat recipes continue to bring joy to our tables.

Whether you’re cooking for a quiet family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this chicken recipe is sure to earn rave reviews. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and foolproof nature – even novice cooks can achieve spectacular results by following these simple steps.

We’d love to hear how your Neiman Marcus Chicken turned out! Did you try any of the variations? Which sides did you pair with this delicious meat recipe? Share your cooking adventures in the comments section. For more delicious chicken recipes and other mouthwatering meat dishes, be sure to bookmark dailymeatrecipe.com – your trusted source for approachable, impressive recipes that will delight your family and friends time and time again.

Don’t forget to explore our collection of other creamy chicken recipes, one-dish meals, and entertaining ideas. Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recipe inspiration directly in your inbox, and follow us on social media for daily cooking tips and tricks. Your next favorite meat recipe is just a click away!