Healthy Green Bean Casserole With Chicken or Turkey

This healthy green bean casserole has protein right in it, it's delicious, and my favorite part is how simple it is. I make it for the holidays, but it works just as well for a get together with friends or a work potluck.

This isn't my own recipe. It comes from my coach's recipe book. For the holidays I'm sharing two recipes from her book: this casserole and her pumpkin pie.

Here's the short version. Mix shredded chicken or turkey with green beans and a light cream of mushroom soup, top it with a thin layer of stuffing and a little parmesan, and bake it at 425 for 30 to 40 minutes. The whole dish makes about 8 portions.

Makes: about 8 portions · Oven: 425 · Bake: 30 to 40 minutes

What you need

• 1 lb of shredded chicken breast, turkey breast or rotisserie chicken

• 1 bag of frozen green beans

• 1 can of 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup

• 1 box of turkey stuffing mix (I only use about half of it)

• Broth or water for the stuffing, the amount your stuffing box calls for

• Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top

How to make a healthy green bean casserole

1. Cook your chicken or turkey and shred it.

2. Heat your oven to 425.

3. Thaw the green beans. I let the bag sit out for a few hours. You can also steam the bag in the microwave until the beans are warm.

4. Bring the broth to a boil, turn the heat down to low, and stir in the stuffing mix. Put the lid on and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Keep the heat really low, because stuffing that dries out isn't as good.

5. In a big bowl, mix the chicken or turkey, the green beans and the cream of mushroom.

6. Spray a baking dish so nothing sticks, and spread the mix in it.

7. Spread a thin layer of stuffing over the top and sprinkle on some parmesan.

8. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Mine was done at 30.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes. Use shredded turkey breast instead of chicken, or a rotisserie chicken if you want it easy.

Which cream of mushroom soup should I buy?

Look for the lower fat one, which is what the recipe calls for. I couldn't find it at Aldi the day I made this, so I used one with 6 grams of fat. The lighter can brings the calories down a little.

What if I don't have the seasoning for the top?

Use parmesan. The recipe calls for a cheddar bacon seasoning on top. I didn't have it, so I sprinkled parmesan instead. I like to improvise, and that's one of the reasons I love cooking.

Do I need the whole box of stuffing?

No. Half was plenty for a thin layer on top.

How it fits on your Thanksgiving plate

I don't weigh my portion on Thanksgiving. I know the dish makes about 8 portions, so I just take a small one.

When you build your plate, make protein and veggies the priority. This casserole gives you both in one scoop, and you still get to enjoy everything else on the table.

“didn’t overeat for Thanksgiving!”

Nicole, client

Want help with the rest of your Thanksgiving week too, from your meals to your workouts and steps? Holiday weeks like this one are what I plan with each client at A Cup of Fitness, online. Apply for my coaching program here.