35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe
Introduction
This 35-minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chili. The combination of tender chicken, crisp apples, and melty white cheddar creates a unique dish you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking onions)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in diced apple, shredded chicken, white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Step 6: Serve the chili hot, with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream or extra cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin amounts to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut if short on time.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well—transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, creamy flavor. Avoid cheeses that won’t melt well, like feta or Parmesan, in this recipe.
What type of apples work best in this chili?
Tart apples such as Granny Smith are ideal because their acidity and firmness provide a nice contrast to the savory richness of the chili. Sweet apples may become too mushy and overly sweet when cooked.
Print35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe
This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili combines tender shredded chicken, crisp diced apples, white beans, and a rich white cheddar cheese in a warm and comforting chili. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a mild chili kick, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 apple, diced (preferably tart like Granny Smith)
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
Spices
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: In a pot over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Apples, Chicken, Beans, and Spices: Stir in the diced apple, shredded cooked chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Incorporate White Cheddar: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, with optional toppings such as extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin amounts to increase or decrease spice level according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for additional time to reduce excess liquid.
Keywords: white cheddar chicken chili, apple chicken chili, easy chicken chili recipe, autumn chili, creamy chicken chili
