White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines shredded chicken and white beans with tart apples and creamy white cheddar to create a comforting and flavorful chili. A blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder spices the dish gently, while simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The addition of melted white cheddar gives a creamy texture that complements the slight sweetness from the apples. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal that balances savory and subtle fruity notes.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:10:00 GMT
White cheddar apple chicken chili simmering, a cozy and comforting bowl for chilly evenings. Save
White cheddar apple chicken chili simmering, a cozy and comforting bowl for chilly evenings. | toastybloom.com

A hearty, comforting chili featuring tender chicken, creamy white cheddar, sweet apples, and white beans—a unique blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors that will have you coming back for more.

I first served this chili to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a household favorite thanks to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • Dairy: 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Vegetables & Fruit: 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 apple (preferably tart, such as Granny Smith), diced
  • Broth & Liquids: 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 34 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3:
Stir in the diced apple and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4:
Add the shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 5:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1520 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 7:
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and the chili is creamy.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9:
Serve hot. Top with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Steaming bowl of 35-minute white cheddar apple chicken chili with melted cheese and apple pieces. Save
Steaming bowl of 35-minute white cheddar apple chicken chili with melted cheese and apple pieces. | toastybloom.com

This recipe always brings everyone to the table with smiles, especially when shared during cozy family dinners on cool nights.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles for extra heat. To achieve a creamier texture, mash some of the beans before adding the cheese.

Required Tools

Large pot, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheddar cheese). May contain Sulfites in some broths. Double-check labels for dairy and broth if sensitive to lactose or other allergens.

Homemade 35-minute white cheddar apple chicken chili, perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Save
Homemade 35-minute white cheddar apple chicken chili, perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. | toastybloom.com

This chili is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick, comforting meal that combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best in this dish?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the savory elements, adding a subtle sweetness and refreshing bite.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added directly, reducing cooking time significantly.

How do I make the chili spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to increase the heat according to your preference.

Is it possible to adjust the texture of the chili?

Mash some of the white beans before adding the cheese to create a thicker, creamier consistency.

What cooking tools are recommended?

A large pot for simmering, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a sharp knife for dicing ingredients will help achieve the best results.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

Savory chili with shredded chicken, white cheddar, apples, and white beans in a rich, creamy broth.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
25 minutes
Complete Time
35 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 4 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Free from Gluten

What You Need

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
02 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy

01 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Fruit

01 1 medium onion, chopped
02 1 tart apple (such as Granny Smith), diced

Broth & Liquids

01 1 cup chicken broth
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon chili powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 02

Sauté onion: Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Step 03

Cook apple: Stir in diced apple and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

Combine ingredients: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly combine.

Step 05

Simmer chili: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 06

Melt cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and chili attains a creamy texture.

Step 07

Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheddar, diced apple, or chopped cilantro.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites in some chicken broths

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g