Description
This White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a creamy, cozy, and comforting twist on classic chili. Made with tender chicken, crisp apples, white beans, and melted white cheddar, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz / 115 g) can diced green chiles
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and diced apples; cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return chicken to the pot. Add white beans, green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Pour in the broth and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Lower heat. Whisk flour or cornstarch into the milk if thickening, then stir in milk and shredded cheddar gradually. Stir until melted and creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
- Add corn kernels for sweetness and color.
- Substitute Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Replace chicken with turkey for a leaner option.
- Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of milk for extra creaminess.
- Add chili flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili