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35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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