Green Bean Cheddar Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour? Look no further than Green Bean Cheddar Chicken! This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts, tender green beans, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce for a flavor combination that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s versatile enough to accommodate your family’s preferences. This dish is also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks relatively quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
* **Family-Friendly:** The combination of chicken, cheese, and green beans is usually a hit with both kids and adults.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.
* **Comforting:** The creamy cheddar cheese sauce provides a comforting and satisfying element that everyone will love.
* **One-Pan Meal Potential:** With a few tweaks, you can make this a true one-pan meal, minimizing cleanup.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are generally affordable and readily available.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s a comprehensive list:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each).
* **Green Beans:** 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice).
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup milk (any kind will work).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter, melted.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon onion powder.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) for topping.
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color and flavor.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
* **Hot Sauce:** A few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Other Vegetables:** Consider adding other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the chicken and green beans.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the cheese sauce.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For trimming the green beans and optionally slicing the chicken breasts.
* **Whisk or Spoon:** For mixing the cheese sauce.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your Green Bean Cheddar Chicken masterpiece.

**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly.
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the chicken and green beans from sticking to the dish.

**Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans**

* Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water.
* Trim the ends of the green beans. You can either snap them off by hand or use a knife to cut them.
* Spread the trimmed green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish.

**Step 3: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better during baking.
* Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken evenly.
* *Optional:* For faster cooking and more even thickness, you can slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. This will also make them more tender.
* Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the green beans in the baking dish. Ensure they are evenly spaced.

**Step 4: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.
* If using, add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to the mixture. These will add depth of flavor and a slight kick.
* Stir the ingredients together until well combined and the cheese is mostly melted. The mixture will be thick.

**Step 5: Pour Sauce and Add Topping**

* Pour the cheddar cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts and green beans in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
* *Optional:* If using breadcrumbs, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and toss them with the breadcrumbs and paprika. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese for a crispy topping.

**Step 6: Bake the Chicken**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 7: Let Rest and Serve**

* Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly, remove the baking dish from the oven.
* Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
* Serve the Green Bean Cheddar Chicken hot, and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor to the dish.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the baking dish, such as sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or broccoli florets. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use Different Cream Soups:** If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup instead. These will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.
* **Make it a One-Pan Meal:** Add diced potatoes to the baking dish along with the green beans for a complete one-pan meal. Make sure to use small potatoes that will cook quickly, or parboil them before adding them to the dish.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little extra heat.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to this dish. Sprinkle it over the top of the cheese before baking.
* **Use Different Cuts of Chicken:** While chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay moister during baking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for a crunchy topping.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before baking to add even more flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well.

## Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Cheddar Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to this dish.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all pair well with Green Bean Cheddar Chicken.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of this dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken.
* **Rolls or Biscuits:** Warm rolls or biscuits are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights. Here’s how:

* Prepare the green beans and chicken as directed in steps 2 and 3.
* Make the cheddar cheese sauce as directed in step 4.
* Assemble the dish in the baking dish as directed in step 5, but do not bake.
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake as directed in step 6, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Green Bean Cheddar Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a little milk or broth to the dish before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams

**Note:** This is just an approximate nutritional breakdown. The actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

## Green Bean Cheddar Chicken Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for breadcrumb topping)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
* Hot sauce to taste (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread trimmed green beans evenly in the baking dish.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Arrange chicken on top of green beans.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, if using. Stir until combined.
5. Pour cheese sauce over chicken and green beans. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
6. If using breadcrumbs, melt butter and toss with breadcrumbs and paprika. Sprinkle over cheese.
7. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

## Conclusion

Green Bean Cheddar Chicken is a winner for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create a dish that your family will love! Enjoy!