How to Make Delicious Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken Soup

Green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish in many households The traditional recipe calls for green beans, cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. But you can give this classic casserole a delicious twist by using cream of chicken soup instead!

Why Make Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken?

The casserole tastes better and has more depth when cream of chicken soup is used. The creamy chicken goes well with the green beans, making the side dish heartier and tastier. Other benefits include:

• Cream of chicken has a richer taste than cream of mushroom soup It makes the casserole more robust.

• You can use low sodium or reduced fat cream of chicken to make a healthier green bean casserole.

• Cream of chicken soup is more readily available year-round compared to cream of mushroom which sells out during the holidays.

• Chicken pairs excellently with green beans. It gives the casserole a wonderful flavor combination.

• Great for people who don’t like mushrooms or are allergic to them. You can leave out the mushrooms entirely.

How to Make Classic Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken

This recipe sticks close to the traditional green bean casserole method but swaps in cream of chicken soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups cooked green beans, drained
• 1 2/3 cups french fried onions

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, black pepper and garlic powder until well combined.

3. Mix the green beans into the soup after they are cooked and drained. Make sure the beans are covered evenly.

4. Pour the green bean mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.

5. Top with french fried onions evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

7. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

With this simple change, you can make green bean casserole with more flavor instead of cream of chicken soup. Chicken that is creamy covers each soft green bean and goes well with fried onions that are crispy. This is a great side dish for Thanksgiving.

More Ways to Customize with Cream of Chicken

The basic green bean casserole recipe leaves plenty of room for customization and experimentation with cream of chicken soup. Try these tasty additions:

• Diced cooked chicken – Add 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.

• Broccoli – Mix in some chopped steamed broccoli for more veggies.

• Mushrooms – Saute 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the green beans for an earthy flavor.

• Leeks – Saute chopped leeks before mixing into the casserole for savory onion flavor.

• Sage – Add 1/2 teaspoon of sage to the soup mixture for a seasonal flavor.

• Bacon – Top with crumbled bacon bits before baking for a smoky crunch.

• Parmesan – Sprinkle shredded parmesan over the casserole 5 minutes before finished baking.

Don’t limit yourself to just swapping the soup. Cream of chicken opens up many possibilities for putting your own spin on classic green bean casserole.

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken

Follow these tips to prepare picture-perfect cream of chicken green bean casserole:

• Use fresh green beans – Don’t use canned beans. Purchase fresh green beans and cook until just tender but still crisp. Canned beans lead to a mushy casserole.

• Cook down the soup mixture – Simmer the soup, milk and spices for 5-10 minutes before adding in the green beans to intensify the flavors.

• Undercook the beans – Since the casserole bakes for 30 minutes, the green beans should be slightly undercooked initially to avoid mushiness.

• If you want the fried onions to be as crunchy as possible, toast them in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes before putting them on top of the casserole.

• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors come together.

• Make ahead – You can prepare the casserole 1-2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge then bake just before serving.

With these handy tips, you’ll have rave reviews around the table for your green bean casserole made with rich, savory cream of chicken soup.

Answering Common Questions

If you’re new to making green bean casserole with cream of chicken soup, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I use low fat or reduced sodium cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use lower fat and lower sodium varieties to cut down on calories and sodium. The casserole may have slightly less creamy texture but the flavor will still be great.

What kind of green beans work best?

Fresh green beans that you cook from raw give the nicest texture. Canned green beans tend to get mushy. If using frozen green beans, thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Do I need to use fried onions?

The crispy fried onion topping is highly recommended for contrasting texture. But in a pinch, you can use regular yellow onion diced and sauteed until crispy.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole 1-2 days before and refrigerate. Let sit 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off the beans. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use chicken broth instead of milk?

Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup chicken broth for the milk. This adds even more chicken flavor to the sauce.

With these common questions answered, you can confidently make this deliciously simple change to elevate your holiday green bean casserole!

Satisfy Holiday Crowds with Creamy Chicken Green Bean Casserole

This Thanksgiving, skip the same old mushroom soup green bean casserole your guests are expecting. Surprise them with a fresh new take made savory, hearty and extra flavorful with cream of chicken soup. The creamy chicken blends perfectly with the crunchy beans and onions for a simple side dish that tastes gourmet.

Let your family think you fussed over the stove all day to make this creative casserole. With just a few easy swaps, you’ll have them begging for seconds and asking for your recipe. Cream of chicken green bean casserole is sure to become your new Thanksgiving staple.

So don’t settle for boring old mushroom soup again. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can reinvent this holiday classic and wow your family and friends with the rich, robust flavors of green beans and cream of chicken.