Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken

This is the ultimate Thanksgiving green bean casserole with cream of chicken recipe! It's made with fresh, vibrant green beans, tossed with decadent cream of chicken soup, and mixed with classic fried onions which pack a salty, umami flavor. It is better than your normal potluck casserole and fit to wow your guests for any occasion!

Green bean casseroles are a simple and satisfying comfort dish for a reason – they're super easy to make and deliver big flavor. I prefer using cream of chicken soup over cream of mushroom, it's more decadent and I love the rich chicken flavor paired with the crispy fried onions. Fair warning if this is the first time you're making this dish – dig in and get your serving before all of those golden crispy morsels are gone!

Serve these green beans with my 500 prime rib rule recipe,  roasted spatchcock chicken, a baked bone in ham or dry brine spatchcock turkey for your next Thanksgiving meal or large family gathering!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Equipment
• How to cook the green beans for casserole
• Step by step recipe instructions
• Variations of green bean casserole
• Crunchy casserole topping ideas
• How to make green bean casserole ahead of time
• Pro Tips
• Frequently asked questions
• More Thanksgiving side dish recipes
• Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken

Ingredients

Green beans -Fresh green beans are the way to go, they add extra crunch to the dish.  When steamed, they retain their green color and have a bit of bite.

Cream of chicken - This rich and flavorful soup goes so well with green beans and especially the fried onions. You'll love the boost of flavor.

Milk - Use to thin out the condensed soup and add a creamy texture to the mixture.

Fried onions - These are a must-have addition to both the bean mixture and as a crispy topping.

Soy sauce - I use less sodium soy sauce, which adds saltiness with umami flavor to the dish.

Garlic -adding fresh garlic makes this dish even more flavorful.

Equipment

• A stockpot for blanching or if steaming, add a steamer basket. 

•  Casserole dish 9 x 13 inch

How to cook the green beans for casserole

There are two easy options to cook the green beans, blanching or steaming. Either method is fine, steaming will retain more green bean nutrients but may take slightly longer.

Blanching green beans

1. Fill a pot with water, enough to cover the green beans.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and take it to a boil on high heat.
3. Add the green beans and blanch for about 5 minutes or until the green beans are tender to taste. 
4. Drain the green beans and cool them by rinsing with cold water. Drain well after rinsing. 

Steaming green beans

1. Add one inch water to a pot, place the steam basket inside the pot. 
2. Add the washed and cut green beans to the steam basket. 
3. Place a lid over the pot and turn the heat on high, letting the water come to a boil 
4. Once water comes to a boil, steam the green beans for about 5 minutes or until the green beans are tender to taste, it should bite easily, but still have a bit of crunch.  
5. Remove the green beans and cool them by rinse it with cold water. Drain it well and set aside.

Step by step recipe instructions

1). Cut and wash the green beans in to 1 ½ to 2 inch pieces, then steam or blanch for 5 to 7 minutes.

2). Add the milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic, pepper , soy sauce, fried onions and green beans in a large mixing bowl. Mix together.

3). Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

4). Bake for 30 mins at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then top with remaining ¾ cup fried onions and bake for 8 more minutes.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations of green bean casserole

• For a vegetarian option use cream of mushroom soup

• To add more flavor, add sauteed mushrooms

• For a more savory flavor and extra crunch, fry some bacon and cut them into bits to add to the  top of the casserole

Crunchy casserole topping ideas

Breadcrumbs: Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Panko - is Japanese style breadcrumbs. 

Potato chips - this is an easy and convenient option to add as salty crunchy topping. Use plain salted crushed potato chips to top the casserole before baking. 

Crackers - Salty and buttery Ritz crackers is a go to option for a crunchy topping

Nuts - for a healthier crunch, try neutral tasting nuts like chopped walnuts and almond slivers. 

How to make green bean casserole ahead of time

You can prep the casserole a day in advance.

• Cook the green beans and make the filling. 

• Mix the filling and green beans together and put it into a casserole dish.

• Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. 

• When ready to bake, set the casserole out to let it come to room temp. 

• Then bake in the oven. 

Pro Tips

• You can make this dish with frozen or fresh green beans. Fresh green beans are preferred for the texture and flavor.

• Mixing the ingredients prior to adding it to the casserole will ensure every bean is evenly covered in the creamy chicken soup mixture.

• Serve warm - this Green bean casserole is best served right from the oven. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, bake it right before  serving or reheat it in the oven to ensure you get that crunchy topping.

Frequently asked questions

More Thanksgiving side dish recipes

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