Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
To make the crispy onion topping: Place the sliced onions in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to make sure the onions are all coated. Add in the flour, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt, tossing to combine.
Spread the onion mixture out onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake the onions for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until nice and crispy. Once done cooking, set the onions aside and reduce the heat to 375 degrees F.
While the onions are cooking, fill a large pot with water and add a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil then add in the fresh green beans. Blanch the green beans for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender, then drain in a colander.
In a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt butter then add in garlic and diced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for a few minutes until soft, then add in the flour and stir to combine.
Add in the half and half and chicken broth, bringing to a boil. Stir continuously to remove any lumps, then turn the heat down to medium-low and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened up a bit. Mix in the salt, pepper, onion powder and fresh thyme leaves and remove from heat.
Transfer the green beans to a 9×13 casserole dish coated with nonstick spray and pour the mushroom cream sauce evenly over all the green beans. Top with the crispy onions along with any extra crunch breadcrumbs left on the sheet pan.
Bake the green bean casserole at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through. Serve and enjoy!