If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and comes together with ease, this Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with crisp-tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with a golden layer of melted cheddar and irresistibly crispy fried onions. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of vibrant textures. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to balance taste and texture, from the fresh green beans adding vibrant color and snap, to the luscious mushroom soup that brings cozy creaminess.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked chicken makes this an easy go-to recipe, and shredding ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans add a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh color that brightens the dish.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This classic ingredient ties the casserole together with its creamy, savory base.
- 1/2 cup milk: Milk helps create the perfect smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, gooey, melty layer your taste buds will adore.
- 1 cup crispy fried onions: These crunchy onions on top provide an irresistible golden crunch and extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder brings subtle savory warmth enhancing all the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds depth and enhances the natural earthiness of the mushroom soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is the secret to tying everything together perfectly.
How to Make Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your casserole is ready to bake. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crisply golden topping.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix creates the creamy, flavorful base that makes this Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe so comforting.
Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then spread your mixture evenly inside. This step is all about setting the stage for a perfectly cooked, creamy casserole with every bite full of goodness.
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This not only adds flavor but creates a melty blanket that will beautifully brown in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the cheese time to melt into a gooey, delicious layer on top.
Step 6: Add Crispy Fried Onions
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and top it with a cup of crispy fried onions. This step brings the iconic crunch that transforms this dish into a classic Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe everyone raves about.
Step 7: Final Bake for Crunch
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the fried onions turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is key for that irresistible texture contrast between creamy and crunchy.
Step 8: Let it Cool Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy each flavorful spoonful without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe, try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions on top. These simple garnishes add a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides like a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls also make fantastic accompaniments that keep the meal comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but allows each person to have their perfectly baked, crispy-topped casserole exactly the way they like it. Another idea is to layer your Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe in a clear glass casserole dish so those inviting layers shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. Reheating leftovers allows all those marvelous flavors to come back to life with ease.
Freezing
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal because it freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For quicker options, microwave reheating works well—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring gently to keep it warm and creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
While canned green beans can be used in a pinch, fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor for this Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Fresh beans stay crisp and vibrant, which adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or a homemade mushroom sauce, use plant-based milk, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives. It’s a great way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of this casserole without dairy.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, assembling the casserole a day ahead is totally doable. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated until it’s time to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Cooked shredded chicken works best, whether it’s poached, roasted, or leftover rotisserie chicken. The key is having tender, moist chicken that blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce without drying out.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, carrots, or even some corn for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of moisture levels so the casserole stays creamy and not watery.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe embodies cozy comfort food at its finest, combining simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it never fails to impress and delight. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making this comforting casserole again and again.
Print
Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers a classic combination with a satisfying homemade touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy crust.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crispy fried onions have turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked, shredded chicken from leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Fresh green beans can be lightly steamed before mixing if you prefer a softer texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences and dietary needs.
- The crispy fried onions add great texture but can be replaced with breadcrumbs or omitted for a less crunchy topping.
- If you want a richer casserole, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
