Print

White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe

White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili Recipe

4.8 from 12 reviews

This White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is a unique and hearty twist on traditional chili, combining tender rotisserie chicken, sweet apples, creamy white cheddar, and cannellini beans in a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, this chili offers a balanced blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a creamy texture and warming spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 apples, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 white onion, peeled and roughly diced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup half & half
  • 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (including white cheddar)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Apples and Onions: In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and diced onion, then sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin. Stir well to combine and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples and onions are soft. Transfer this mixture to a plate and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same pot. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 60 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add Broth and Half & Half: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Then pour in the half & half, continuing to whisk and simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped rotisserie chicken, drained cannellini beans, and the sautéed apple and onion mixture until everything is well combined.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: If the chili is too thick, add a small amount of extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, extra cheese, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but you can use cooked chicken breast or thighs if preferred.
  • Feel free to substitute the Mexican cheese blend with all-white cheddar for a sharper taste.
  • If you prefer a thinner chili, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work best to balance the chili’s spices without overpowering the dish.
  • This chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken chili, white cheddar chili, apple chicken chili, creamy chili, rotisserie chicken recipe, easy chili, white bean chili