If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp fresh green beans, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, then this Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on the classic casserole, perfectly balancing flavors and textures in a way that will make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this casserole delivers satisfaction with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making it a beloved go-to recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to creating this dish everyone will adore. Each item plays an essential role in building the layers of richness, freshness, and irresistible crunch that make the Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe truly shine.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender, juicy chicken provides the hearty base of the casserole.
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed: Crisp green beans introduce freshness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy element ties everything together with deep, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds smoothness and ensures the sauce isn’t too thick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into golden, gooey goodness that blankets the casserole.
- 1 cup crispy fried onions: Delivers an irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides warm, aromatic notes to enhance the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the depth of flavor in a subtle yet necessary way.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated by the time your casserole mixture is ready to bake. This ensures even cooking and that wonderful golden topping later on.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This blend forms the creamy, flavorful filling that’s the heart of the Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then pour in the mixture. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure every bite cooks uniformly.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Layer
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. This layer will melt beautifully, creating a rich, golden crust that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the filling to bubble gently while the cheese melts and starts to brown.
Step 6: Top with Crispy Fried Onions
Remove the casserole from the oven and scatter the crispy fried onions across the surface. These will add a delightful textural contrast.
Step 7: Final Bake for Perfection
Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the fried onions turn a beautiful golden brown. This finishing step makes all the difference in presentation and taste.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Before serving, let the Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes. This short rest helps it set up so that each spoonful stays together, ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of fresh garnish can elevate your casserole even further. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to introduce a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the rich casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread also make excellent accompaniments to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. You can also turn it into a potluck showstopper by layering it with mashed potatoes on top, creating a comforting casserole pie that delights in every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent the crisp onions from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, cover it securely and bake it from frozen by adding extra cooking time. For baked leftovers, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven to preserve the crispy onion topping, or microwave for a quick meal, although the texture of the onions will soften. Cover the dish loosely and warm until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor. If using canned, drain them well and consider reducing the milk slightly to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or a hearty vegetable like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it filling and flavorful.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
A homemade white sauce or cream of chicken soup works well as alternatives. You can also experiment with cream of celery or cream of cauliflower for subtle different flavors.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for all palates. If you want a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it uncovered, then bake when ready. This makes dinner prep a breeze especially for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
There is something so lovingly simple about this Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want to treat yourself. Go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Chicken and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and a cheesy topping finished with crispy fried onions. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic flavors in a simple and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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 ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Transfer the mixed casserole ingredients into the dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to form a cheesy layer.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and the cheese to melt.
- Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen green beans can be used but should be thawed and drained first.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free fried onions and cream of mushroom soup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
