Cozy Up with 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Ah, the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of chili on a chilly evening! There’s something undeniably soothing about the creamy texture of this 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili that wraps around you like a favorite blanket. The first time I made it, the air was crisp, leaves danced in golden hues on the ground, and the scent of cinnamon apples filled my kitchen as the chili simmered away. It was a spontaneous weeknight dinner that turned into an unforgettable moment with my family, filled with laughter and warmth. This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for those busy weekdays or whenever you crave a cozy feast. Trust me, it’s an easy weeknight dinner you’ll want to revisit again and again!
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip up this delicious chili in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with the crisp apple.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Versatile: Customize it to your liking with various toppings or substitute ingredients for a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it at your next get-together, and watch your friends rave over its delicious flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need for 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 apple, diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 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
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Let’s Make It Together
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, and spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Cook for another couple of minutes until everything is warm and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the white cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
- Ladle the chili into bowls while still steaming and add your favorite toppings if desired.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice or some lime zest for a refreshing, zesty kick.
- Creamy Avocado: Top with diced avocado for a rich, creamy finish that complements the chili’s flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Include some diced jalapeños if you’re in the mood for a spicy sensation.
- Herbal Burst: Stir in some fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the chili base ahead of time and then simply heat it up and add cheese when you’re ready to serve, making dinner a breeze.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the cooked chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave!
- Slicing Tips: For easy dicing, slice the apple into quarters and remove the core before chopping it into small cubes.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add cheese before serving.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey or use different types of beans based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How long does it last? Leftover chili stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Wrapping It Up
This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili truly encapsulates the cozy, comforting essence of home cooking. Its rich, creamy texture with a hint of apple sweetness warms not just your belly but your heart. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s sure to impress, whether you’re enjoying it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering with friends.
Save this 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A comforting and creamy white cheddar apple chicken chili that comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 apple, diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 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
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, and spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Cook for another couple of minutes until everything is warm and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the white cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
- Ladle the chili into bowls while still steaming and add your favorite toppings if desired.
Notes
Make-ahead magic is possible by preparing the chili base in advance. Substitute ingredients like chicken for turkey or use different beans as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chili, chicken chili, cheddar, comfort food, weeknight dinner