White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

Featured in: Comfort Food Love

Enjoy a rich and comforting dish combining shredded chicken with creamy white cheddar, sweet diced apples, and hearty white beans. This flavorful blend is gently simmered with aromatic spices and chicken broth, creating a creamy texture and a balanced savory-sweet palate. Perfect for a quick, nourishing meal ready in just 35 minutes, it can be customized with extra toppings like chopped cilantro or additional cheddar for extra flair.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:37:00 GMT
Steaming bowl filled with the creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to enjoy. Save
Steaming bowl filled with the creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to enjoy. | tastyeffect.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 on a chilly autumn evening and my whole family asked for seconds. It quickly became a weeknight favorite.

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

Heat olive oil:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion:
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Cook apple:
Stir in the diced apple and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add ingredients:
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 low and slow:
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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This chili has warmed many family dinners and is loved for its balance of savory and sweet flavors everyone enjoys.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk from cheddar cheese and may contain sulfites in some broths. Check labels if sensitive to lactose or allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 365 per serving with 14 grams of total fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 31 grams of protein.

A close-up view of the 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A close-up view of the 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, garnished with fresh cilantro. | tastyeffect.com

This chili is quick to prepare and perfect for cozy nights when you want something both comforting and unique.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apple works best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith offer the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the dish's flavor contrast.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

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

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Add cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to increase heat according to preference.

Is it possible to make it creamier?

Mash some of the white beans before adding the cheese for a smoother, creamier texture.

What cooking tools are recommended?

A large pot, wooden spoon, chef’s knife, cutting board, and measuring cups help streamline the process.

White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

Tender chicken with white cheddar, apples, and beans in a creamy, savory chili.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No 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 (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 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Phase 01

Heat fat: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Phase 02

Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Phase 03

Cook apple: Stir in the diced apple and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Adjust seasoning: Taste and modify seasoning as preferred.

Phase 09

Serve: Ladle the chili hot, optionally topping with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)
  • May contain sulfites (broth)

Nutritional information (per portion)

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