35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a comforting and unique twist on traditional chili. Featuring tender chicken, crisp apples, and creamy white cheddar, it’s a warm, flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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 cooking oil (for sautéing onions)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Serve the chili hot, optionally topped with your favorite garnishes like extra cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
• Adjust the chili powder and cumin amounts to suit your preferred spice level.
• For added texture, consider topping with toasted pepitas or chopped green onions.
• Leftover chili can be enhanced the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to melt the cheese evenly. You can also freeze the chili for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken thoroughly. Add raw, diced chicken after sautéing the onions and cook until no longer pink before adding other ingredients.

What if I don’t have white cheddar cheese?

You can substitute with other cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack or mild mozzarella, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 111 reviews

This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful soup combining tender shredded chicken, tart apples, creamy white cheddar, and white beans, seasoned with aromatic spices for a unique twist on traditional chili. Perfect for a cozy meal that balances sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Cheese

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

Produce

• 1 apple, diced (preferably tart like Granny Smith)
• 1 onion, chopped

Pantry

• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing onions)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Apples, Chicken, Beans, and Spices: Stir in the diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20 minutes to blend flavors and soften the apples further.
4. Melt the White Cheddar: After simmering, stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
5. Serve Hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, add toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
• You can adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder to suit your taste.
• Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• For a thicker chili, cook uncovered during simmering to reduce liquid.

Keywords: white cheddar apple chicken chili, chicken chili recipe, comforting soup, American chili, autumn soup, white bean chili