White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili: 5 Easy Comfort Wins

Name: White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1 Granny Smith apple, diced; 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium optional); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe

When life gets busy (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it busy?), White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili swoops in like that friend who shows up with coffee and zero judgment. It’s warm, cozy, and just unexpected enough to make you feel like you did something a little fancy—without lifting more than a spoon and a cutting board.

If you’re craving a one-pot dinner that feels like a hug wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness, this chili is your weeknight hero. And yes, we’re talking apples and cheddar in chili—trust me, they belong together more than you’d think.

As someone who lives for meals that practically cook themselves, this one sits proudly in my “busy-woman lifesaver” category. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it brings that slow-cooker-meets-cozy-kitchen vibe even when you make it on the stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

It’s Comfort Food With a Twist: The mix of creamy white cheddar and crisp apple turns classic chili into something unforgettable and downright comforting.
Fast Enough for Weeknights: Ready in about 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into real life—soccer practice nights, long workdays, and “I forgot to plan dinner” moments.
Kid-Approved, Adult-Loved: Mild, creamy, and flavorful without being spicy, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
One Pot, Zero Stress: Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and no fancy steps. Just simple ingredients working together like seasoned pros.
A Flavor Combo That Just Works: The tangy apple brightens the hearty chicken, while the white cheddar melts into velvety perfection. It’s cozy, unexpected, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making lunches and quick reheat dinners a breeze.
Customizable to Your Taste: Add heat, keep it mild, swap cheeses, boost the veggies—this chili adapts to whatever mood or pantry you’re working with.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that comes together to build this irresistible bowl of coziness:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works beautifully)
1 cup white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 Granny Smith apple, diced (skin on for that pop of green!)
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup chicken broth (go low-sodium if you prefer)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil for sautéing

How to Make White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

This is one of those recipes that feels like it belongs in a cozy cabin somewhere, simmering while snow falls outside… even if the reality is you’re in yoga pants reheating coffee for the third time today. I’ve been there. Let’s cook.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite soup pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. They should turn soft and translucent—the point where your kitchen starts to fill with that warm, oniony goodness that says, “Dinner’s going to be great.”

Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices

Stir in the shredded chicken, diced apple, white beans, and all your seasonings. This is when everything starts smelling incredible.

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. That gentle bubbling is where all the flavors marry, mingle, and decide to become best friends.

Step 3: Simmer and Melt the Cheese

Turn off the heat—this is key!—and add your freshly shredded white cheddar. Stir slowly until the cheese melts and the chili becomes creamy, velvety perfection. Using residual heat helps the cheese stay silky instead of turning grainy.

At this point, try not to eat it straight from the pot. Unless it’s been the kind of day that requires straight-from-the-pot eating. No judgment.

Tips for the Best Chili

Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that can keep it from melting smoothly.
Let the apple keep its skin. It adds color, flavor, and a hint of texture.
If the chili thickens too much: Add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for 3–4 minutes.
Meal prep dream: This chili tastes even better the next day. Like most good things in life, it gets better with time.

A little personal story? The first time I made this chili, I was in the middle of what I affectionately call “a marathon week”—work deadlines, kids asking for 12 snacks a day, and a laundry pile that could qualify for mountain status. This recipe was the thing that kept dinner from being cereal that night. If a recipe can save you from a cereal-for-dinner evening, it’s a keeper in my book.

Bowl of White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and herbs in a rich, golden broth. — A hearty, flavorful bowl of White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili, filled with white beans, shredded chicken, and warm aromatic spices.

FAQs About White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well and adds a cozy post-holiday twist.

Does this chili freeze well?

Yes, but leave out the cheese before freezing. Add it when reheating for the best texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Add everything except the cheese and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cheese right before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Totally. Celery, carrots, or even a handful of spinach can blend right in without taking over the flavor.

What can I serve with this chili?

Warm crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or tortilla chips make great sidekicks.

A Cozy Takeaway for Your Kitchen

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, creativity, and a little spark of surprise to your table, White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili is it. It’s warm, wholesome, and just a little playful—exactly the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special.

So grab your pot, shred that cheese, and let tonight’s dinner feel like an effortless win. You deserve it.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Want to Try Next

If this White Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili brought all the comfort you were hoping for, I’ve got a few more delicious, easy, and soul-warming dishes you’ll want bubbling away in your kitchen next. Each one brings that same mix-and-simmer simplicity that makes dinnertime feel like a win.

If you’re craving something creamy with a gentle Southwestern kick, you’ll love my Slow Cooker Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup—it’s warm, hearty, and perfect for busy evenings.
Prefer something classic and comforting? My Crock-Pot Hamburger Soup is a longtime reader favorite and tastes like it simmered all day (even if it didn’t).
If you want a close cousin to today’s recipe, try my Crockpot White Chicken Chili—creamy, cozy, and just right when you need dinner to feel effortless.
And for a crowd-pleasing dish that always disappears fast, check out my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs—sweet, savory, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.