Green Bean Chicken Casserole

Can I make this casserole dish in advance?

Like most casseroles, the Green Bean Chicken Casserole can be made in advance, making it an incredibly time-saving dish. Once assembled, this casserole can stay in the fridge for up to four days and still taste as good as new when baked in the oven.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aside from being a timesaver, here are more reasons to love Green Bean Chicken Casserole:

• This dish is very easy to make. It’s a no-fuss recipe that even first-time home cooks can make in a pinch.
• The Green Bean Chicken Casserole is very versatile. Its ingredients can easily be modified to cater to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions. 
• This dish is satiating. The combination of chicken, creamy sauce, and green beans will surely fill you up, despite the lack of starchy ingredients. 

Want a tasty chicken casserole with rice? A teriyaki chicken casserole will easily do the trick.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe stays true to convenience, as the ingredients it needs are already present in most household pantries and refrigerators/freezers. 

• Chicken: Cubed chicken is a primary ingredient in this casserole. For convenience, it’s best to choose chicken breasts or thighs.
• Green Beans: Green beans add vibrance to the casserole and give it a subtle sweetness. They can be frozen, but ensure to thaw them before baking.
• Sliced mushrooms: Mushrooms add depth to the dish with their earthy flavor. You can buy whole mushrooms, then slice them at home if you can’t find ones that are already sliced.
• Shredded smoked gouda: As the name suggests, smoked gouda adds a rich and smoky taste. When melted, it has a smooth, creamy texture.
• Fried onions: Fried onions add a satisfying, subtle crunch when used as a topping. 

See recipe card for quantities.

🔀 Substitutions

Chicken: Cubed firm tofu is a good vegetarian alternative for this recipe as it’s also a source of protein. 

Fried onions: Replace fried onions with seasoned breadcrumbs for a different texture.

🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Here are some exciting options to add your twist to the classic dish.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the mushrooms for a dash of heat.
• Make It Cheesier: Explore cheese combinations such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese. Add more cheese to your heart’s desire for extra gooeyness.
• Herb Infusion: Add fragrant herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sautéed mushrooms and onions for an aromatic twist.

For a cheesier weeknight dinner, you can also prepare a classic Swiss chicken casserole packed with chicken, cheese, and milk. 

🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

The tools needed for this recipe are standard kitchen equipment, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing anything else.

• 9×13 casserole dish: This provides ample space for the mixture and ensures even cooking.
• Medium skillet: You’ll need this to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic later.
• Large bowl: A large bowl is needed to mix and coat the ingredients thoroughly. 
• Nonstick cooking spray: This greases the casserole dish to prevent sticking.

🔪 How to Make Green Bean Chicken Casserole

Very simple ingredients meet very simple instructions in this family-favorite casserole recipe. Let’s get right into cooking this creamy goodness! 

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Grease the casserole dish

Grease the 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Sauté the ingredients for the sauce

Melt the butter in a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Then, saute the mushroom and onions for five to six minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the garlic right after.

Step 4: Finish the sauce

Add the flour and season the vegetables with salt and pepper. Then, stir to coat the onions and mushrooms. 

Once the flour has been completely mixed in, add the chicken stock. 

Continue mixing; once the mixture thickens, pour in half and half. Reduce the heat and stir as needed until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Then, add the Gouda and stir to combine.

Step 5: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl

Mix the cubed chicken, green beans, and a cup of fried onions in a large bowl. After which, carefully add in the sauce and mix until everything is combined and evenly coated.

Step 6: Transfer to the casserole dish

Slowly transfer the mixture to the 9×13 casserole dish. Make sure to spread everything evenly for the casserole to cook thoroughly.

Step 7: Bake the casserole

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Top with remaining fried onions

Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top of the casserole and bake it for another five minutes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with savory side dishes like air-fried Brussel sprouts and Bombay Salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it to absorb flavor, making it more delicious. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

❓ Recipe FAQs

🙏 Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Green Bean Chicken Casserole:

🛑 Food safety

• Avoid cross-contamination by ensuring the tools you use for raw chicken don’t come in contact with the cooked ingredients. 
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to avoid risking food spoilage.