White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Meals

This hearty dish combines tender chicken and white beans with the subtle sweetness of diced apples and creamy white cheddar. Aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin bring warmth, while simmering melds all flavors into a comforting meal. Ideal for a quick, nourishing dinner, its creamy texture is perfectly balanced with a slight fruity twist from tart apples. Easy to prepare in under 35 minutes, it’s a satisfying choice that warms and delights on any occasion.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:56:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra cheddar and apples. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra cheddar and apples. | bloomoven.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 love serving this chili on chilly evenings; it always brings warmth and smiles to the table.

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

Heat olive oil:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion:
Add the chopped onion and sáute for 3 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add apple:
Stir in the diced apple and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add chicken and beans:
Add the shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add cheese:
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and the chili is creamy.
Adjust seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
Serve hot. Top with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro if desired.
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| bloomoven.com

My family always gathers around excitedly when this chili is served, making it a cherished meal for us.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk from cheddar cheese. May contain sulfites in some broths. Double-check labels if sensitive to lactose or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 365 calories, 14 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 31 g protein.

Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring tender chicken and creamy white cheddar with apples. Save to Pinterest
Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring tender chicken and creamy white cheddar with apples. | bloomoven.com

This chili is perfect for cozy meals and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best in this dish?

Tart apples such as Granny Smith are ideal, providing a bright contrast to the creamy and savory elements.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of fresh cooked chicken?

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

How can I make the chili spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to increase the heat level without overpowering other flavors.

Is it possible to adjust the texture of this dish?

For a creamier texture, mash some of the white beans before adding the cheese to the pot.

What cooking tools are recommended?

A large pot, wooden spoon or spatula, chef’s knife, cutting board, and measuring cups/spoons make preparation straightforward.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

A comforting mix of chicken, white cheddar, apples, and beans with warm spices and creamy texture.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Entire Time
35 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Weekend Comfort Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Gluten

Ingredient List

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 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Combine chicken and beans with spices: Stir in shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate cheese: Stir shredded white cheddar cheese into the chili until fully melted, creating a creamy texture.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings such as extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites in some chicken broth brands

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g