White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This comforting chili combines tender chicken, creamy white cheddar, and tart apples with white beans for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Sautéed onions and diced apples create a flavorful base, followed by seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Simmered gently to meld flavors, this dish delivers creamy texture and warmth in just 35 minutes, ideal for a quick, hearty meal filled with contrasting textures.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:56:00 GMT
Warm, creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, beautifully topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to serve. Save
Warm, creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, beautifully topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to serve. | nachohaha.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.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and has become a favorite in my household for its unique combination of flavors.

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.
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This dish always brings my family together, sharing stories over a warm bowl of chili on chilly evenings.

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 per serving.

A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy fall evening meal. Save
A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy fall evening meal. | nachohaha.com

This chili combines comfort and flavor in every bite, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith add a bright contrast that balances the savory flavors.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation without compromising taste.

How can I make it creamier?

Mash some of the white beans before adding the cheese to enhance creaminess.

What spices balance the flavors?

Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create a warm, layered seasoning profile.

Is it possible to make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or diced green chiles for an extra kick.

How long should it simmer?

Simmering for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully and cheese to melt fully.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

Savory chicken and white cheddar with tart apples and beans in a creamy chili.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten

Components

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
02 1 can (15 ounces) 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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Combine Base Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to combine.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Incorporate Cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and chili becomes creamy.

Phase 06

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot with optional toppings such as extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites in some broths

Nutrient breakdown (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