35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Fun Weeknight Dinners

This nourishing chili combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white cheddar, sweet diced apples, and white beans for a unique savory and subtly sweet harmony. Sautéed onions and spices like chili powder and cumin build a warm base, while gentle simmering melds the flavors perfectly. The melted cheddar adds richness and creaminess, creating a hearty dish ready in just over 30 minutes. Ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner, this chili brings together bold textures and tastes in a satisfying meal.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and diced apples. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and diced apples. | chomzo.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 hearty white cheddar apple chicken chili to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became our new favorite comfort food.

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

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.
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| chomzo.com

This chili has brought my family together on many cozy nights reminding us of the joy of sharing a warm homemade 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

A close-up view of creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfectly garnished and ready to be served. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, perfectly garnished and ready to be served. | chomzo.com

This chili is perfect for weeknight dinners packed with flavor and simple to make.

Common Questions

What type of apple works best for this chili?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide the best flavor contrast with the creamy cheddar and spices.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added directly, saving preparation time without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this chili spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles when adding the spices to increase heat.

Is it possible to adjust the creaminess of the chili?

You can mash some of the white beans before stirring in the cheddar to create a thicker, creamier texture.

What spices are used to season this dish?

Chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhance the chili’s depth and warmth.

35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chili

A comforting chili with tender chicken, creamy cheddar, sweet apples, and white beans full of rich flavors.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Time Needed
35 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Gluten, Low Carb

Required Ingredients

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
02 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy

01 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

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

Preparation Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer chili: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired; serve hot with optional toppings such as extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites present in some chicken broths

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g