Ruth’s Chris Chicken and Green Bean Bake
There are casseroles that are simply convenient, and then there are casseroles that make everyone slow down after the first bite.
This Ruth’s Chris Chicken and Green Bean Bake is the second kind.
Tender chicken, crisp-tender green beans, creamy sauce, savory seasoning, and a golden cheesy topping come together in one bubbling, comforting dish.
It feels like the kind of meal you’d make when you want something hearty and homemade but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
I first made this on a weekend when I had chicken and fresh green beans waiting in the refrigerator.
I wanted something different from our usual roasted chicken dinner, so I decided to turn them into a creamy bake.
I added a simple sauce, plenty of seasoning, and a generous layer of cheese on top.
Once it went into the oven, the kitchen started smelling incredible.
By the time the cheese was bubbling around the edges, everyone was asking when dinner would be ready.
The first serving disappeared quickly.
Then came the second helping.
That’s usually how I know a casserole is going to become a regular in our kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Green Bean Bake
Creamy and comforting
Tender chicken
Fresh, flavorful green beans
Cheesy golden topping
Easy weeknight dinner
Family-friendly
Great for leftovers
Simple ingredients
Wonderful for Sunday dinner
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Chicken and Green Bean Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the green beans and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, just until they become bright green and slightly tender.
Drain well.
For the best texture, immediately transfer them to cold water for a minute or two, then drain again.
This helps prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces.
Season with paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic during the final minute.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Chicken broth
Stir until smooth.
Add about ½ cup of the cheddar cheese and mix well.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and green beans to the bowl with the sauce.
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Spread it into an even layer.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Finish with the Parmesan.
This gives the casserole a beautiful cheesy crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
If you want an extra-browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven.
Let it rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.
This gives the creamy sauce time to thicken slightly.
Spoon generous portions onto warm plates and enjoy.
My Best Tips
Don’t Overcook the Green Beans
They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you only need to blanch them until they’re just tender.
Cut the Chicken Evenly
Similar-sized pieces cook more evenly and prevent some pieces from becoming dry while others are still undercooked.
Drain the Green Beans Well
Extra water can thin the creamy sauce.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
The casserole thickens slightly as it rests, making it easier to serve.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes.
Thaw them first and drain them thoroughly.
You can also use frozen green beans directly if necessary, but excess moisture can make the casserole thinner.
Can I Use Canned Green Beans?
Yes, although the texture will be softer.
Drain and rinse them well before adding them to the casserole.
You don’t need to blanch canned green beans.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful.
They work beautifully in casseroles.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes.
This is one of my favorite shortcuts.
Simply shred or chop about 3 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce mixture.
There’s no need to cook the chicken separately.
Can I Make This Without Canned Soup?
Absolutely.
You can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream.
It takes a few extra minutes but gives you complete control over the ingredients.
Can I Add Bacon?
Definitely.
Cooked crispy bacon is fantastic in this casserole.
Add approximately ½ cup crumbled bacon before baking.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Ranch Chicken & Green Bean Bake
Add crispy bacon and a teaspoon of ranch seasoning.
Mushroom Chicken Bake
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken before combining everything.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Increase the garlic and use extra Parmesan for a richer, more savory flavor.
Spicy Chicken & Green Bean Bake
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
Loaded Chicken Casserole
Add bacon, mushrooms, cheddar, and green onions.
What Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar gives the casserole a classic sharp flavor.
You can also use:
Monterey Jack
Colby Jack
Mozzarella
Provolone
Gruyère
Pepper Jack
A mixture of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both flavor and excellent cheese pull.
Can I Make This Keto?
Yes, with a few adjustments.
The chicken, green beans, cheese, and sour cream are naturally low in carbohydrates.
Check the labels of your cream soup and broth, or use homemade low-carb versions.
Serve it as a complete meal or alongside a simple green salad.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes.
Use a gluten-free cream soup or homemade sauce and verify that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes.
Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Because it will be cold from the refrigerator, you may need to add approximately 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Make sure the center is thoroughly hot before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
For a crispier cheese topping, place the casserole in a covered oven-safe dish and warm it in a 175°C (350°F) oven until hot.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, although creamy sauces can change texture slightly after freezing.
Cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With Chicken and Green Bean Bake
This casserole can easily stand on its own, but it’s delicious with:
Mashed potatoes
Cauliflower mash
Roasted potatoes
Rice
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Roasted carrots
Dinner rolls
Steamed broccoli
For a lower-carb dinner, I love serving it with cauliflower mash and a crisp cucumber salad.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 480
Protein: 45g
Fat: 27g
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Fibre: 3g
Net Carbohydrates: 8g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the chicken, soup, cheese, and other ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs are a great choice and tend to stay especially juicy.
Why is my casserole watery?
The green beans may have contained excess water, or the sauce may have been too thin. Drain vegetables thoroughly and let the casserole rest before serving.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well and use approximately 3 cups of cooked chicken.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Small diced potatoes can turn this into an even heartier casserole. Par-cook them first so they become tender during baking.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add pepper Jack cheese, jalapeños, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use another cream soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work well.
How do I get the cheese extra golden?
Broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching it closely.
Final Thoughts
This Ruth’s Chris Chicken and Green Bean Bake is the kind of comfort food that makes a regular dinner feel a little more special.
The chicken is tender.
The green beans add a fresh bite.
The creamy sauce ties everything together.
And that golden blanket of melted cheese on top makes it nearly impossible to resist.
I love recipes like this because they don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.
You can prepare everything in advance, put it in the oven, and let the kitchen fill with that wonderful homemade-dinner smell.
It’s especially good on a chilly evening when everyone wants something warm and comforting.
Serve it with mashed potatoes if you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dinner, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower mash and a fresh salad.
Either way, don’t be surprised if you find yourself scraping the last cheesy bits from the bottom of the dish.
Those little browned corners might just be the best part. 🧀🍗🥦✨