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White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

This comforting chili blends savory chicken and beans with tart apples and creamy white cheddar, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced Use evenly sized pieces so they cook through at the same time.
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded Freshly shred your cheese from a block for smoother melting and better flavor.
  • 2 cups apples, peeled and diced Choose a firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp so they hold some texture after simmering.
  • 1 onion, chopped Yellow onions give a nice balance of sweet and savory once softened.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Mince garlic finely and add it early with the onion for a mild base, or add later for a stronger punch.
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Rinsing beans removes excess sodium and keeps the broth cleaner.
  • 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt more easily as you finish the chili.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Toast cumin briefly in the pot with the onion for a deeper aroma.
  • 1 tsp chili powder Use mild chili powder for family palates, or swap for a smoky chipotle powder if you prefer heat.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Start with a little; you can always add more after simmering.
  • Olive oil for cooking A mild olive oil works well. Use just enough for a light sauté so the pot does not stick.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in the diced apples, cannellini beans, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. Stir in the white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of half-and-half when you add the cheese. You can also cut apples larger for a chunkier texture.