White Cheddar Apple Chili

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This hearty dish combines shredded chicken, white beans, and diced tart apples with aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin, simmered gently in chicken broth. Finished with melted white cheddar cheese, it offers a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s perfect for a comforting meal. The balance of textures and flavors makes it satisfying and easy to prepare within 35 minutes.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:27:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra cheddar and diced apples. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, topped with extra cheddar and diced apples. | krispyrecipes.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 recipe quickly became a favorite in my home thanks to its unique sweet and savory balance and ease of preparation

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.
A close-up of a rich, creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a rich, creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, ready to be enjoyed. | krispyrecipes.com

Preparing this chili brings the whole family together with warm bowls and happy smiles.

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 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

Delicious homemade 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible chunks of apple and chicken. Save to Pinterest
Delicious homemade 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible chunks of apple and chicken. | krispyrecipes.com

This easy chili is perfect for quick meals and will impress with its unique sweet and savory taste.

Common Recipe Questions

What apples work best in this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast and hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that saves preparation time without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to increase the heat to your preference.

Is it possible to make this creamier?

Mash some of the white beans before stirring in the cheese to enhance the dish’s creamy texture.

What are the key spices used?

Chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper give this dish its warm, savory flavor.

White Cheddar Apple Chili

Tender chicken with white cheddar, apples, beans, and warming spices in a creamy chili blend.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations 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 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 ground black pepper

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, rinsed white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; stir well to incorporate.

Step 05

Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Cook Covered: Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 07

Incorporate Cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar until completely melted and chili attains a creamy consistency.

Step 08

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add additional seasoning if desired.

Step 09

Serve: Dish hot, optionally garnishing with extra 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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk from cheddar cheese
  • Possible sulfites in chicken broth

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 365
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Protein Content: 31 grams