Green Bean Casserole with Chicken: A Classic Comfort Food Favorite

Few dishes define American comfort food quite like Green Bean Casserole—it’s creamy, crunchy, and deeply nostalgic. Originally popularized in the 1950s as a side dish, it’s been reimagined here as a hearty main course with tender chunks of chicken and a homemade creamy mushroom sauce that replaces the usual canned soup.

This version has everything you love about the original—crisp-tender green beans, velvety sauce, and a golden onion topping—but with the richer depth and freshness that only cooking from scratch provides. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave something warm, creamy, and comforting.

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Casserole Base

• 500 g (1.1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 250 g (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour

• 480 ml (2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth

• 240 ml (1 cup) milk (whole or 2%)

• 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream

• 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp (2 g) black pepper

• ¼ tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Chicken

• 450 g (1 lb) cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded (poached, roasted, or rotisserie)

For the Topping

• 1 cup (50 g) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

• ¼ cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter, melted

💡 Substitutions:

• Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday meal.

• Substitute half the milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter sauce.

• Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the sauce for extra richness.

🔥 Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

1. Preheat and Prepare the Green Beans (10 minutes)

Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Pat dry.

👉 Pro Tip: Blanching keeps the beans vibrant and prevents sogginess later.

2. Make the Homemade Creamy Mushroom Sauce (15 minutes)

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook 3 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms and sauté 5–6 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir for 1 minute to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by milk and cream. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.

👉 Pro Tip: If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen.

3. Combine Chicken and Green Beans (5 minutes)

Add cooked chicken and blanched green beans to the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole (5 minutes)

Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread evenly.

In a small bowl, combine crispy onions, panko, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.

5. Bake and Serve (25–30 minutes)

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

📋 Recipe Info Box

🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Based on USDA data; values may vary by ingredients used.

Nutrition Note:
This version skips canned soups but keeps the creamy flavor—less sodium, more nutrients, and no processed additives.

💡 Tips, Variations & Notes

1. Make Ahead: Assemble up to one day ahead; refrigerate and bake just before serving.

2. Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.

3. Add Cheese: Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the sauce before baking.

4. Mushroom Swap: Use portobello or mixed wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.

5. Extra Crunch: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with onions for a buttery topping.

6. Double Batch: Perfect for meal prep or holidays—bake one, freeze one.

7. Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 180°C / 350°F for 40 minutes.

8. Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in milk.

9. Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and substitute vegetable broth.

10. Presentation Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme before serving for color.

🔪 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish

• Whisk and spatula

• Mixing bowl

• Saucepan (for blanching beans)

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh or frozen give the best texture. Drain well if using canned.

2. What’s the best chicken to use?
Poached, roasted, or leftover rotisserie chicken—just make sure it’s cooked and cubed.

3. Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free option?
Yes, use unsweetened almond or oat milk with olive oil for the roux.

4. How can I make the topping crispier?
Bake uncovered and broil the last 2 minutes if needed.

5. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, try peas, carrots, or sautéed spinach for variation.

7. How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Ensure mushrooms are fully cooked before adding liquids—this evaporates excess moisture.

8. Can I use canned soup instead?
You can substitute the homemade sauce with one 10.5-oz can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with ½ cup milk for convenience.

🇺🇸 Recipe Story & Cultural Context

The Green Bean Casserole was born in 1955, created by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company as a simple, affordable side dish. Over the decades, it became a holiday essential across American tables, embodying the cozy, casserole-loving spirit of mid-century cooking.

This version pays homage to that nostalgia but with a modern twist—made entirely from scratch, with real mushrooms and fresh green beans, and elevated by the addition of juicy chicken. It transforms the classic side dish into a hearty, all-in-one main course, perfect for today’s comfort-food enthusiasts.

🍷 Pairing Suggestions

Drink Pairings:

• White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.

• Red Wine: Light Pinot Noir balances the earthiness of mushrooms.

• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or iced tea with lemon.

Side Dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

• Buttermilk biscuits or warm dinner rolls

• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

Occasions:
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, Thanksgiving leftovers, or Sunday comfort meals.

🏁 Conclusion

This Green Bean Casserole with Chicken is the definition of homestyle comfort: tender green beans, flavorful chicken, and a velvety homemade mushroom sauce crowned with a golden, crispy topping. It’s rich, cozy, and satisfying—just like the classic, but fresher and made from scratch.

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving comfort, this casserole delivers timeless flavor in every bite.

🔥 Your turn: Try it tonight, share your casserole creations online, and tag your posts with the hashtags below!

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