White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

Featured in: Family Dinners

This hearty chili combines tender shredded chicken with creamy white cheddar cheese, tart diced apples, and tender white beans. Slowly simmered with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, the dish melds savory and subtle sweetness in each bite. The result is a warm, comforting meal perfect for busy evenings requiring just over half an hour from start to finish. Garnishes like extra cheese or diced apples add texture and freshness.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:47:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and tender chicken. Save
Steaming bowl of 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, featuring melted cheese and tender chicken. | griddleglory.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 quickly became a family favorite thanks to its creamy texture and delightful apple twist.

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

Heat oil:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion:
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Cook apple:
Stir in the diced apple and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add cheese:
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and the chili is creamy.
Adjust seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
Serve hot. Top with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili topped with fresh apple slices, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Creamy 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili topped with fresh apple slices, ready to serve and enjoy. | griddleglory.com

This chili recipe always brings my family together, especially on cool evenings when we enjoy comfort food the most.

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 comforting close-up of hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible white beans and spices. Save
A comforting close-up of hearty 35-Minute White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with visible white beans and spices. | griddleglory.com

This white cheddar apple chicken chili is a perfect blend of flavors that’s easy to make and loved by all.

Cooking Questions

What type of apples work best in this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a bright contrast that balances the chili’s savory and creamy notes.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for faster preparation?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be added directly to save time.

How does white cheddar affect the chili’s texture?

White cheddar melts smoothly into the chili, creating a creamy and rich consistency.

What spices enhance the flavor profile?

Chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder provide warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Adding cayenne pepper or diced green chiles can increase heat to suit personal taste.

White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

Savory chili with chicken, white cheddar, tart apples, and beans offering comforting flavors.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications No gluten

Components

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, 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 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Combine Proteins and Spices: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; stir to incorporate.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Simmer Covered: Lower heat, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Phase 07

Melt Cheese: Stir in shredded white cheddar until melted and chili reaches creamy consistency.

Phase 08

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and modify seasoning as necessary.

Phase 09

Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with extra cheddar, diced apples, or chopped cilantro.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (white cheddar cheese)
  • May contain sulfites (in some chicken broths)

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 365
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g