How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken Soup (The Easy Way!)

Looking for a twist on the classic holiday side dish? Green bean casserole with cream of chicken soup might just be your new favorite! I’ve been making this delicious casserole for years, and it’s always a hit at our family gatherings. While the traditional recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, using cream of chicken adds a unique flavor that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Let’s dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why Use Cream of Chicken Instead of Cream of Mushroom?

I know what you’re thinking – isn’t green bean casserole supposed to be made with cream of mushroom soup? Well, yes that’s the classic Campbell’s recipe from 1955. But trust me on this one

• Cream of chicken gives a milder, more universally appealing flavor
• It’s perfect for folks who don’t love mushrooms
• The chicken flavor complements the green beans beautifully
• It creates a creamy, rich sauce without any “earthy” mushroom taste

As Rosie from I Heart Recipes says, “I make my green bean casserole with cream of chicken soup, and I highly recommend you do the same!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is super simple and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry

• Green beans (3 cans drained OR 12 oz frozen)
• Cream of chicken soup (1 10.5 oz can)
• Milk (1/2 cup)
• French’s fried onions (1 1/2 cups, divided)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
• Soy sauce (1 teaspoon) – this is optional but adds great flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Green Beans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting that golden brown topping without burning the casserole.

If you’re using frozen green beans:

• Steam them according to package directions
• Or boil water in a pot and cook them in a steamer basket for 5-8 minutes until just tender
• Make sure to drain them well – nobody wants a soupy casserole!

If you’re using canned green beans:

• Simply drain them well
• You might want to give them a quick rinse too

2. Mix Your Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional but recommended!)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. This is your delicious sauce base!

3. Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring it all together:

• Add your prepared green beans to the sauce mixture
• Fold in about 1/2 cup of the French’s fried onions
• Stir gently until everything is well coated

4. Bake to Perfection

• Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13 baking dish
• Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges
• Take it out, give it a gentle stir
• Top with the remaining fried onions (about 1 cup)
• Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown

And voila! Your green bean casserole with cream of chicken is ready to serve!

Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks:

Avoid a Soupy Casserole

Make sure to drain your green beans really well. I sometimes even pat them dry with paper towels! If your casserole still seems too liquidy, you can:

• Add a cornstarch slurry (2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water)
• Stir it in before the final topping of fried onions

Make It Ahead of Time

Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead! Just:

• Mix everything except the crispy onions
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
• Add the onions just before baking so they don’t get soggy

Delicious Add-Ins

Want to make it even more special? Try these variations:

1. Add cheese: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess
2. Include bacon: Crumble in 4-6 slices of cooked bacon for smoky flavor
3. Fresh garlic: Use 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder
4. Add potatoes: Mix in some diced, cooked potatoes for a heartier dish

FAQs About Green Bean Casserole

Can I use fresh green beans?

Absolutely! Just blanch them for 3-5 minutes in boiling water, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well before adding to your casserole mixture.

How long do leftovers last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this casserole as the creamy sauce and onions can lose their texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients except half the fried onions in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, then top with remaining onions and cook for 30 more minutes with the lid slightly ajar.

Why is my casserole watery?

This usually happens if your green beans weren’t drained well enough or if you added too much milk. Remember that the casserole will thicken as it cools slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Green bean casserole with cream of chicken pairs perfectly with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Holiday ham
• Mashed potatoes
• Cornbread dressing
• Sweet potato casserole

It’s honestly the perfect side dish for any holiday meal or Sunday dinner!

Nutritional Information

For those watching their intake, here’s the approximate nutritional info per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 164
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Sodium: 540mg

Final Thoughts

This green bean casserole with cream of chicken soup might just become your new go-to holiday side dish! It’s simple enough for beginner cooks but delicious enough to impress the whole family. The creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I make this dish every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and honestly, sometimes just on random weeknights when we need some comfort food. My kids actually request it, which is pretty much a miracle when it comes to vegetables!

Happy cooking!

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Full Recipe Card

Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 oz frozen green beans (or 3 cans, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare green beans: Steam frozen beans according to package directions or drain canned beans well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Stir in the green beans and 1/2 cup of the fried onions.
5. Pour mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then stir the mixture.
7. Top with remaining fried onions and bake for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!