White Cheddar Apple Chicken

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This dish pairs tender shredded chicken with white beans, diced tart apples, and melted white cheddar for a cozy, flavorful chili. Aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin infuse the broth, while sautéed onions add depth. Simmered gently, the chili develops a rich, creamy texture as the cheddar melts through. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a satisfying meal ready in just over half an hour.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:45:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and apples. Save
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and apples. | smokyfeast.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 chili combines comforting flavors with ease of preparation making it a family favorite whenever I make it.

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.
Close-up of a flavorful 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible chicken and beans. Save
Close-up of a flavorful 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible chicken and beans. | smokyfeast.com

This recipe is a staple at family dinners especially during cooler months when everyone craves warmth and comfort.

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

Per serving Calories 365 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 31 g

Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a warm, comforting bowl ready to be served. Save
Hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: a warm, comforting bowl ready to be served. | smokyfeast.com

This chili delivers both comfort and flavor in under 35 minutes making it perfect for any weeknight meal.

Kitchen Questions

What kind of apples work best?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheddar and savory chicken.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken makes preparation quicker and easier.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Add cayenne pepper or diced green chiles for more heat, or omit these for a milder flavor.

What is the best way to achieve a creamy texture?

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

Are there any common allergens?

This dish contains milk from the white cheddar and may contain sulfites from some chicken broths.

White Cheddar Apple Chicken

Creamy white cheddar melds with tender chicken and sweet apples in this hearty chili.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels 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 (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

Method

Phase 01

Heat olive oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Phase 02

Sauté onions: Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Combine proteins and spices: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, ground 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 covered: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Phase 07

Incorporate cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and chili achieves a creamy consistency.

Phase 08

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites present in some chicken broths

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g