Description
A comforting and flavorful White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili that combines tender rotisserie chicken, sweet apples, creamy white cheddar, and hearty cannellini beans in a rich, spiced broth. This chili offers a unique twist with its sweet and savory profile, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 apples, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 white onion, peeled and roughly diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Base and Thickener
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup half & half
Beans and Cheese
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Apples and Onion: Heat olive oil in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the peeled and chopped apples and diced white onion. Stir in chili powder and ground cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the apples and onions are softened. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Create Roux: Reduce heat to medium-low, melt butter in the same pot, then whisk in flour. Cook for about 60 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Gradually whisk in chicken broth a little at a time until smooth. Then whisk in the half & half. Simmer the mixture, whisking occasionally, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped chicken, drained cannellini beans, and the reserved apple and onion mixture until fully combined.
- Adjust Thickness and Add Cheese: If the chili is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, or additional cheese.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time but cooked shredded chicken breast can be used.
- Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- If you want a creamier chili, use full-fat half & half or substitute with heavy cream.
- This chili is thick; add broth gradually if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Try topping with sliced green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup/Chili
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: white cheddar chili, chicken chili, apple chili, creamy chili recipe, rotisserie chicken chili