White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Food

This hearty chili blends tender shredded chicken with creamy white cheddar cheese and crisp tart apples, creating a unique balance of savory and subtle sweetness. White beans add a creamy texture while chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth. The dish simmers gently, allowing flavors to meld perfectly, making it an ideal weeknight meal ready in just 35 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added freshness.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:53:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and apples. Save
A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and apples. | dashnosh.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.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken: 2 cups shredded
  • White beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • White cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Apple: 1 (preferably tart, such as Granny Smith), diced
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

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.
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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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 365 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 31 g

Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a creamy, savory soup with cooked chicken, white beans. Save
Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a creamy, savory soup with cooked chicken, white beans. | dashnosh.com

This chili balances savory and sweet perfectly and comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight meal.

Kitchen Q&A

What type of apple works best in this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a pleasant contrast and hold their texture well when cooked.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for faster preparation?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that maintains flavor and saves time.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Add cayenne pepper or diced green chiles for a spicier and more robust heat.

What is the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Stir the shredded white cheddar into the warm chili off heat until fully melted for a creamy finish.

Can the beans be mashed for different texture?

Mashing some white beans before adding cheese enhances creaminess and thickens the chili.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

Savory chili combining chicken, white cheddar, tart apples, and white beans for a cozy meal.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Hearty Comfort Food

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage American

Output 4 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories No Gluten

What You'll Need

Proteins

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

Dairy

01 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Fruit

01 1 medium onion, chopped
02 1 medium 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

Method

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: Incorporate diced apple and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

Combine proteins and spices: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.

Step 05

Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Simmer flavors: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 07

Incorporate cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar until fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 08

Season and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional cheddar, diced apple, or chopped cilantro.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)
  • May contain sulfites (in some broths)

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g