Slow Cooker Amish Green Bean Chicken
Description
Slow Cooker Amish Green Bean Chicken is a simple, comforting one-pot meal made with tender chicken breasts, creamy chicken soup, seasoned green beans, and Italian dressing mix. As it cooks, the ingredients combine into a rich, savory sauce that can be spooned over the chicken and green beans. It’s an easy family dinner with minimal preparation and everyday pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, undrained
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1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 packet (0.7 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
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Cooking spray, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly spray a 4–6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray if desired.
2. Add the chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Season
Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
4. Add the soup
Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Spread it roughly across the top.
5. Add the green beans
Pour both cans of green beans, including their liquid, over the chicken and soup.
6. Slow cook
Cover and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender:
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LOW: 5–6 hours
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HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker.
7. Serve
Carefully transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon the tender green beans and creamy sauce over and around the chicken. Serve hot.
Servings
4 servings
Recipe Notes
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Keep the green beans undrained; their liquid contributes moisture to the dish.
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For more evenly cooked chicken, use breasts that are similar in size and thickness.
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Very large chicken breasts may require additional cooking time.
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The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
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The sauce will be relatively thin while hot and may thicken slightly as it stands.
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For easier serving, you can slice or shred the cooked chicken before spooning the green beans and sauce over it.
Tips & Variations
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Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work well and tend to stay particularly juicy.
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Add potatoes: Small diced potatoes can turn this into a more substantial one-pot meal, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
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Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms complement the creamy sauce nicely.
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Extra creamy: Stir the sauce gently near the end of cooking for a smoother consistency.
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Fresh green beans: Fresh beans can be substituted, although you may need to adjust the amount of added liquid.
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Reduce sodium: Choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup and green beans, and check the sodium content of the Italian dressing mix.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings and the ingredients listed. Actual values vary by brand and the size of the chicken breasts.
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Calories: ~350–400 kcal
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Protein: ~45–50 g
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Carbohydrates: ~15–20 g
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Fat: ~10–14 g
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Fiber: ~4–6 g
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Sugar: ~4–6 g
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Sodium: ~1,300–1,700 mg
The sodium can be relatively high because of the condensed soup, canned green beans, and Italian dressing mix.
Benefits
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High in protein: Chicken provides a substantial amount of protein per serving.
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Includes vegetables: Green beans provide fiber and nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
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Easy preparation: Most of the work involves simply layering the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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One-pot convenience: Minimal dishes are required.
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Comforting and filling: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a satisfying family meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans can be used, although the texture may be slightly different from canned green beans. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No. The chicken can go directly into the slow cooker. Browning is optional and mainly adds extra color and flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and can be more forgiving if cooked for a little longer.
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes. Trimmed fresh green beans can be substituted for canned beans. Because fresh beans don’t provide the same amount of liquid, you may need to add a little additional broth or water.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
For food-safety reasons, it is best to start with fully thawed chicken rather than putting frozen chicken breasts directly into a slow cooker.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read food thermometer. The meat should also be tender and no longer pink in the center.
Can I shred the chicken?
Yes. Once fully cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir some of the creamy sauce through it. Serve the green beans alongside or mixed in.
What should I serve with Amish Green Bean Chicken?
Because the dish already contains chicken, green beans, and a creamy sauce, it can be served on its own. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, biscuits, or crusty bread.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For best quality, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
The cooked chicken and green beans can be frozen, although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.