This White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a warm, cozy dish with a fun twist! It combines tender chicken, tasty apples, and creamy white cheddar for a unique flavor.
I love how the sweetness of the apples adds a nice surprise with every spoonful. Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something comforting. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. You can swap in cooked rotisserie chicken or even turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since rotisserie chicken is already cooked!
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully for a sweeter touch. If you want to avoid apples, try adding a bit of lime juice for that tangy flavor instead.
White beans: The recipe calls for canned white beans like cannellini or great northern. You can use kidney beans for a different taste or try chickpeas for a twist!
Cheese: White cheddar gives great creaminess and flavor. If it’s hard to find, substitute with Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
How Do I Make Creamy Chili Without It Curdling?
To keep your chili creamy and prevent curdling, the key is to manage the heat when adding dairy. Here’s how:
- After adding milk or cream, keep the heat on low. High heat can cause dairy to separate.
- Stir constantly until the milk is well combined into the chili.
- Consider adding the cheese gradually, and keep stirring until melted.
Also, let your chili cool slightly before refrigerating leftovers to maintain that creamy texture. Enjoy your cooking!
White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chili will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s satisfying and filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma.
3. Add the Apples:
Next, toss in the peeled and diced apple. Give it a gentle stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and fragrant.
4. Mix in the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to really release those tasty aromas!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the drained white beans, chicken broth, and milk to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined and bring the chili to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer and Blend:
Return the cooked chicken back to the pot. Allow the chili to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
7. Finish with Cheddar:
Finally, stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese gradually until it melts completely and the chili becomes creamy and delicious.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Now’s the time to taste your chili! Adjust the seasoning with any extra salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve It Up:
Serve your hot chili in bowls, garnished with additional shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a lovely finish.
Enjoy this creamy, savory chili with the subtle sweetness of apples, making it a perfect comfort dish for any day of the week!
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Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or even turkey. Just add it towards the end of cooking since it’s already cooked.
What Can I Substitute for White Beans?
If you don’t have white beans, feel free to use kidney beans or even chickpeas for a different taste. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Sure! To give it an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your heat preference!
