Introduction

This Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a comforting twist on classic chili, blending savory chicken and white beans with the subtle sweetness of apple and creamy cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.

A close-up image of a bowl filled with a thick soup containing white beans and shredded chicken in a light orange, slightly oily broth. The bowl is ceramic with an earthy greenish-gray outer edge and a darker, smooth finish inside. The soup’s ingredients include large white beans scattered throughout, tender shredded chicken pieces in the center, and small chunks of reddish meat or sausage. The bowl sits on a wooden surface, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors of the soup. The background is softly blurred, showing a warm, indoor setting with wooden tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a bit of oil in a pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve the chili hot, with your favorite toppings such as sour cream or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
Use sharp white cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian—just use a plant-based chicken substitute.
Add chopped fresh cilantro or green onions as a fresh garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese creamy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick soup showing three main layers: creamy light orange broth at the base, a middle layer of tender white beans spread evenly, and a top layer with shredded chicken pieces mixed with small bits of red seasoning and black specks of pepper, all sitting on a white marbled surface. The chicken looks juicy and slightly browned, and the soup appears hot and comforting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can work, but white cheddar provides the best flavor and meltiness for this chili.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, you can freeze the chili without the cheese. Add the cheddar cheese fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 241 reviews

Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a unique twist on traditional chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, sweet diced apples, white cheddar cheese, and white beans, all simmered together with aromatic spices for a comforting and flavorful meal. This chili balances savory and slightly sweet elements, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 & Seasonings

1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the onions and build flavor.
Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add apples and main ingredients: Stir in the diced apple, shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
Melt the cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Serve hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve immediately. Optional toppings such as extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped herbs can be added as desired.

Notes

Using a tart apple like Granny Smith adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Drain and rinse the white beans well to reduce sodium if using canned beans.
This chili pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: chicken chili, cheddar cheese chili, apple chili, white bean chili, stovetop chili, comfort food, easy dinner