White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This chili combines tender shredded chicken with creamy white cheddar cheese and sweet, tart diced apples, balanced by white beans and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Sautéed onions and a gentle simmer meld these ingredients into a comforting, creamy dish perfect for a quick, nourishing meal. The subtle sweetness from apples complements the savory spices, providing a unique flavor experience. Top with extra cheddar or fresh herbs to enhance the taste.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:21:00 GMT
A warm bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra shredded cheddar. Pin It
A warm bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra shredded cheddar. | sweetbatata.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.

A cozy chicken stew that I first served to my family on a chilly fall evening was an instant hit everyone loves ready in just 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • Dairy: 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Vegetables & Fruit: 1 medium onion, chopped 1 apple (preferably tart, such as Granny Smith), diced
  • Broth & Liquids: 1 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Spices & Seasonings: 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.
This close-up shows the hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy dinner. Pin It
This close-up shows the hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy dinner. | sweetbatata.com

This recipe has become a family favorite especially during chilly weather when we gather around the table for a warm meal

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

Steam rising from the delicious 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to enjoy with family. Pin It
Steam rising from the delicious 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to enjoy with family. | sweetbatata.com

This chili is quick to prepare and offers a comforting balance of flavors perfect for any season

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of apple works best for this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they provide a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors and add subtle sweetness.

Can I use leftover chicken for this chili?

Absolutely, shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken works well and helps speed up preparation.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to increase heat, or omit for a milder taste.

What’s the best way to achieve a creamy texture?

Stirring in shredded white cheddar cheese melts it into the chili, and mashing some beans enhances creaminess.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, flavors deepen when chilled overnight. Reheat gently and add cheese before serving for best results.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

A hearty chili blending tender chicken, white cheddar, apples, and spices for a warm, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Gluten

What You'll Need

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 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: 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 Apples: Add diced apple to the pot and sauté for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally topping with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)
  • May contain sulfites (in some broths)

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g