Green Bean-and-Barley Chicken Casserole

Name: Green Bean-and-Barley Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 - 6
Ingredients: Cooking spray, for baking dish; 4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 sweet onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1/3 c. dry white wine; 1 1/2 c. chicken stock; 4 oz. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, cut into pieces; 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 c.); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken; 3 c. cooked pearl barley (from 1 uncooked c.); 8 oz. green beans, steamed and chopped; 1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1 c. crumbled cheese crackers

By Marian Cooper CairnsPublished: Aug 17, 2015

Jump to recipe

Brian Woodcock

Yields:

4 - 6

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 20 mins

With creamy chicken and green beans topped with iconic cheese crackers, this dish is a nostalgic nod to Nanas everywhere.

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Ingredients

Cooking spray, for baking dish
4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
4 oz. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, cut into pieces
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 c.)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
3 cups cooked pearl barley (from 1 uncooked c.)
8 oz. green beans, steamed and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup crumbled cheese crackers

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Step 2Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in wine and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes.
3. Step 3Whisk in cream cheese, one piece at a time, then Parmesan, until smooth. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in chicken, barley, green beans, and parsley. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.
4. Step 4Melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add cheese crackers and stir to coat; sprinkle over casserole. Bake until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Step 5Let stand 10 minutes before serving.