We are officially ready for Halloween! Pumpkins have been carved, costumes are at the ready, and I’ve watched Hocus Pocus twice…alone…because nobody in my family will watch it with me. Last stop: trick-or-treating! Before my little goblins tear it up though, they’ll be filling their bellies with Cheesy Chicken and Rice Green Bean Casserole. This easy, cozy recipe is a frankenstein mash up of two of my favorite casseroles – Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, and Green Bean Casserole – and it is PERFECTION in a baking dish. My husband declared it the best thing I’ve ever made!
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Green Bean Casserole
An easy homemade cheese sauce envelopes rice, chicken, mushrooms, and green beans that are folded together then baked until bubbly. The top is sprinkled with gluten free french fried onions then the whole thing is popped back into the oven until golden brown and crispy. YES, french fried onions – not just for Thanksgiving! The flavor and crunch they add to casseroles is so fabulous!
Tips for Success
Rice choice: This casserole calls for white rice, though you can use brown rice if you’d like. I tested with wild rice and didn’t love the texture of the final dish. Prep ahead: Dice the chicken and slice the mushrooms up to a few days ahead of time to save on prep time, and/or use chopped rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Leftovers: This recipe feeds an army, but leftovers heat up beautifully. Flour choice: I use a gluten free flour blend to thicken the cheese sauce, though if you don’t need to eat gluten free you can use all-purpose flour. Cheese choice: I love using sharp cheddar cheese for casseroles, as you can really taste it through the other ingredients, but you can use whatever cheese you’ve got on hand.
Ok! Who’s ready to fill their bellies and warm their souls with this crazy-cozy-casserole mash up?!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
First cook long grain white rice in chicken broth until tender. Fluff, then set aside. I always use Lundberg Farms White Jasmine Rice.
Step 2: Saute the Mushrooms
Meanwhile, add sliced mushrooms and shallots to a very large skillet over medium-high heat then, once the mushrooms release their liquid, season with homemade seasoned salt and pepper. Continue to saute until the mushrooms are golden brown then scoop them into a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Saute the Chicken
Next, saute diced chicken breasts, seasoning with more seasoned salt and pepper, until cooked through. Scoop the chicken into the same bowl as the mushrooms then turn the heat down to medium.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Melt butter in the skillet then whisk in gluten free flour and cook for 1 minute.
Next, slowly stream in chicken broth and milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder then cook, stirring often, until thickened and bubbly, 3-4 minutes.
Lastly, stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked rice, chicken, and mushrooms, plus a can of green beans – cut or french-style – into the skillet then stir to combine.
Scoop the mixture into a large casserole dish, or two smaller ones, then bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Last step is to add the piece de resistance – Gluten Free French Fried Onions. I cannot TELL you what a delicious flavor and crunch these add to the casserole. Sprinkle on top then return the dish to the oven until the onions are golden brown and crispy – 7-9 minutes.
This is the brand of gluten free french fried onions I use. I actually started using them instead of making homemade crispy shallots in my Green Bean Casserole because they’re so tasty and convenient!
Let the casserole sit to thicken and cool for 10-15 minutes then scoop onto plates and dig in. I know you will love this EPIC, comfort food casserole mash up. Enjoy, enjoy!
More Craveable Casserole Recipes
Tuna Noodle Casserole Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole Skinny Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole
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