White Cheddar Apple Chicken

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This dish combines shredded chicken with white beans, diced tart apples, and sharp white cheddar for a creamy and flavorful experience. Sautéed onions and a blend of warming spices like chili powder and cumin create a rich base. Simmered gently to meld flavors, the chili offers a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet notes. Ideal for a quick, hearty meal, it's simple to prepare and results in a satisfying bowl that comforts and delights.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra shredded cheddar and diced apples. Save It
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra shredded cheddar and diced apples. | sunnyspoonful.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 cozy chicken stew is a family favorite that brings warmth and delight to every dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Proteins
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed: Proteins
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded: Dairy
  • 1 medium onion, chopped: Vegetables & Fruit
  • 1 apple (preferably tart, such as Granny Smith), diced: Vegetables & Fruit
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Broth & Liquids
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Broth & Liquids
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder: Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Spices & Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Spices & Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Spices & Seasonings
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Spices & Seasonings

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 34 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 1520 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 creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili features tender chicken and sweet apples simmered with white beans. Save It
This creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili features tender chicken and sweet apples simmered with white beans. | sunnyspoonful.com

We cherish family dinners where everyone gathers around this delicious chili, sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans before adding the cheese.

Required Tools

Large pot, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's 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.

A close-up of a warm, savory bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili ready to serve and enjoy. Save It
A close-up of a warm, savory bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili ready to serve and enjoy. | sunnyspoonful.com

This chili is perfect for a quick meal that keeps the whole family delighted.

Recipe FAQs

What apple type works best for this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are recommended to balance the creamy and savory flavors.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles during cooking to increase heat.

What’s the purpose of white beans in this dish?

White beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the chicken and cheddar.

How do I achieve a creamier consistency?

Mashing some of the beans before adding the cheese helps to thicken and enrich the texture.

White Cheddar Apple Chicken

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

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Duration
35 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Free From 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 medium 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook apples: Incorporate the diced apple and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • May contain sulfites present in some broths

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 365
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Proteins: 31 grams