Chili is one of those comforting dishes that warms you from the inside out, especially when it combines unexpected flavors like tangy apples and creamy white cheddar. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delicious White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. This dish marries the heartiness of chicken with the sweetness of apples and a rich cheddar finish, creating a unique and satisfying meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 640 mg
Why Make This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
This White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili stands out due to its balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the surprising sweetness from the apples creates a delightful experience in every spoonful. Not only is this chili quick to prepare, but it also harnesses wholesome ingredients that make it a nutritious choice. Perfect for chilly nights, game days, or just a casual dinner, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
How to Make 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. This sets the stage for sautéing our ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pot, cooking until browned all over. This step captures the juices and creates a flavorful base.
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Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This filling aroma will have everyone curious about dinner!
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Step 4: Mixing the Chili
Add the diced apples, rinsed white beans, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This not only melds the flavors but also enhances the sweet and savory contrast in the chili.
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Step 5: Simmering the Chili
Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer for about 25 minutes. This gentle cook time allows the apples to soften and infuse the broth with a hint of sweetness while thickening the chili perfectly.
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Step 6: Finishing Touches
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, making the chili creamy and decadent.
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Step 7: Seasoning
Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. This step is crucial as it enhances the overall flavor, ensuring each bite is tasty.
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Step 8: Enjoying!
Serve hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread or some tortilla chips for dipping.
How to Serve 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Serve your homemade chili in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheese, some fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with warm crusty bread, avocado slices, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is also great for gatherings, providing a comforting and hearty option that’s sure to please a crowd.
How to Store 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Allow any leftover chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
- For even more depth of flavor, consider roasting the chicken beforehand.
- Choose apples that maintain their shape when cooked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisps, to ensure they provide texture as well as sweetness.
- If you’re looking to spice things up, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey or even a meatless option like lentils for an alternative twist.
- Don’t skip the cheese! The creaminess it adds is essential for the chili’s final flavor profile.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cubed butternut squash or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Chicken Chili: Add extra spices or fresh peppers to crank up the heat if you enjoy more of a kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with gouda or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes! Chili flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Corn, bell peppers, or even spinach can be fantastic additions.
- How do I make it dairy-free? Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and substitute with dairy-free cheese.
- What can I use instead of white beans? You can utilize navy beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas for a different texture.
- How can I thicken the chili? If you prefer a thicker chili, try stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water or letting it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
Conclusion
This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is not only quick to make but also brims with comfort and flavor. Its unique blend of ingredients creates a dish that’s sure to impress while remaining simple enough for a weeknight supper. The creamy, cheesy finish paired with the subtly sweet apples makes this a recipe that should definitely be added to your collection. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to delight in a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness that your whole family will love! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Print
35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and unique chili that combines tangy apples with creamy white cheddar and hearty chicken for an impressive yet easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot, cooking until browned all over.
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced apples, rinsed white beans, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer for about 25 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider roasting the chicken beforehand or adding vegetables like corn or bell peppers. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
