35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe, Made Simple

Imagine a chilly afternoon, the kind that invites warmth and comfort. This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe fits perfectly into that cozy moment. I love how the sharpness of white cheddar melts into tender chicken and sweet apple chunks, creating a balanced dish that feels both familiar and fresh.

Whether you’re new to chili or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe wonderfully approachable. The way the spices unfold with gentle heat, mingling with creamy beans and juicy apple, makes every spoonful a little celebration of texture and flavor.

Let’s chat about what makes this chili so special before diving in — this dish is all about quick, reliable comfort that never feels boring.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Cooked chicken: Using shredded, pre-cooked chicken speeds things up—rotisserie works wonders.
• White cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy finish that melts beautifully into the chili.
• Apple: Offers a crisp, sweet contrast to spice—the softer the bite, the better.
• White beans: Creamy and protein-packed, they boost heartiness without heaviness.
• Chicken broth: Brings moisture and depth, but feel free to swap for vegetable broth for a lighter touch.
• Onion: Cooked until translucent, it builds the flavor base with subtle sweetness.
• Chili powder: The warming spice backbone—adjust to taste.
• Cumin: Earthy and fragrant, it rounds out the chili.*
• Garlic powder: An easy way to layer savory aroma evenly.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors alive—taste and tweak as you go.

Set Up for Success

Before you start, get everything prepped: dice your onion and apple, shred the chicken if needed, and drain the beans. Having ingredients at hand makes cooking flow effortlessly. No oven is required here, just a cozy stove-top and a sturdy pot or Dutch oven to build flavors evenly.

Step-by-Step: 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe

1. Heat a splash of oil in your pot over medium heat until shimmering. This creates a toasty base that kisses the onions with gentle warmth.
2. Add the chopped onions and stir often. You’ll want them soft and translucent, releasing a sweet, fragrant aroma that hints at the depth to come.
3. Stir in the diced apple, cooked chicken, and drained beans, letting the juicy apple soften slightly. This mix of tender fruit and protein sets the stage for balanced texture.
4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything with aromatic spices; this is where your chili’s heart starts to beat.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a simmer. Let it gently bubble for about 20 minutes, giving flavors space to mingle into a cozy harmony.
⭐

Chef’s Notes & Success Tips

Let the chili simmer gently rather than boil rapidly; this keeps the chicken tender and allows the apple to soften without turning mushy. Stir occasionally, taste as you go, and add salt or spice to your liking for a perfectly balanced bowl every time.

6. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts into a silky, golden swirl. That final touch transforms the chili into a creamy, comforting masterpiece.
7. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, maybe with your favorite chili toppings—think fresh cilantro, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to cool the spice.

Flavor Twists for 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe

• Add a diced jalapeño early with the onions for a lively kick if you like more heat.
• Swap Granny Smith for a sweeter apple variety like Fuji to soften the contrast between sweet and savory.
• Mix in corn kernels for a pop of texture and subtle sweetness.
• Try a bit of smoked paprika to introduce a gentle smokiness that layers beautifully.
• Substitute turkey for chicken if you want a lighter protein alternative.
• Finish with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to uplift the flavor with garden-fresh brightness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight.
• This chili freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
• Reheat slowly over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the chicken tender and cheese smoothly melted.
• For make-ahead ease, prep the onion, apple, and shred the chicken a day before—then assemble and cook when you’re ready.
• If chili thickens up too much in storage, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe FAQs

• Can I use raw chicken for this recipe? Yes! Just dice or shred it and cook thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Using cooked chicken simply saves time.
• What if I don’t have white cheddar? Sharp yellow cheddar or Monterey Jack work well, but white cheddar’s tang really shines here.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken or replace with extra beans or hearty veggies like mushrooms.
• How spicy is this chili? It’s mild by default, but feel free to boost chili powder or add fresh peppers to suit your heat preference.
• What’s the best apple for chili? I recommend a crisp variety like Granny Smith for tartness, but honeycrisp or Fuji add a sweeter note if you prefer.
Print

35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili You’ll Crave Recipe



Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 145 reviews

This 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili combines tender shredded chicken, crisp apple, creamy white beans, and sharp white cheddar cheese to create a warming, flavorful chili with a unique sweet and savory twist.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Chili
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped

Spices

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Other

• 1 tbsp oil (for cooking onions)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Apple, Chicken, Beans, and Spices: Stir in the diced apple, shredded cooked chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to coat the ingredients with the spices.
3. Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
4. Incorporate White Cheddar Cheese: After simmering, stir in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and evenly distributed, adding a creamy texture and sharp flavor to the chili.
5. Serve Hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with your favorite chili toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced jalapeños.

Notes

• Use a tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness with a bit of acidity.
• To make the chili spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes or mash some beans to thicken the broth.