White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Comfort Food

This flavorful dish combines tender shredded chicken with creamy white cheddar cheese, tart diced apples, and hearty white beans. Sautéed onions and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder build a savory base, while the simmering melds the sweet and spicy notes perfectly. Finished with melted cheese, this creamy chili offers a balanced richness and a unique flavor profile ideal for a comforting, quick meal.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:05:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with creamy melted cheese. Save
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with creamy melted cheese. | berrycottage.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 autumn evening and it quickly became a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken: shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans: drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese: shredded
  • 1 medium onion: chopped
  • 1 apple (preferably tart such as Granny Smith): diced
  • 1 cup chicken broth:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil:
  • 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 3 4 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 15 20 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.
A close-up of hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save
A close-up of hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy dinner. | berrycottage.com

My family loves gathering around this warm chili especially on weekend afternoons with fresh bread.

Notes

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide the best flavor contrast. For a spicier chili add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles. Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. For 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.

Savory 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a delicious blend of flavors, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Savory 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a delicious blend of flavors, ready to serve and enjoy. | berrycottage.com

This chili balances savory and sweetness perfectly making it ideal for cozy dinners.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apple works best in this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide the best contrast to the creamy and savory elements, enhancing the flavor balance.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well and speeds up preparation time.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles intensifies the heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Is it possible to get a creamier texture?

Mashing some of the white beans before adding cheese creates a richer, smoother consistency.

What are the key spices used?

This dish highlights chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a warm and balanced seasoning.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

Tender chicken and white cheddar meet tart apples and beans in a savory, creamy chili delight.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Without gluten

Components

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 (e.g. 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

Directions

Direction 01

Prepare aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Direction 02

Cook apple: Add diced apple to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until slightly tender.

Direction 03

Combine main ingredients and spices: Incorporate shredded chicken, white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors.

Direction 04

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

Direction 05

Finish with cheese: Stir shredded white cheddar cheese into the chili until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Direction 06

Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra shredded cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (white cheddar cheese)
  • May contain sulfites (some chicken broths)

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g