If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food that truly stands out, look no further than this White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili. Creamy, cheesy, and delightfully unique, this chili brings together savory rotisserie chicken, sweet-tart apples, and plenty of melty cheese for a bowl of pure joy. Each spoonful bursts with unexpected flavor twists — the warmth of spices, the subtle crunch of apples, and the rich, luscious finish from a generous helping of white cheddar. It’s the ultimate cool-weather dinner, guaranteed to wow your friends and family while quickly becoming your own new favorite.

White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome, and totally essential — every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the layers of flavor and creamy texture that make this chili so memorable. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip; each element matters in balancing sweetness, spice, and unbeatable comfort.

Chopped rotisserie chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and juicy, flavorful meat throughout the chili.
Olive oil: A drizzle brings out the natural sweetness in the apples and onions while keeping the base light and fragrant.
Chili powder: Adds rich color and gentle warmth, giving the dish its subtle “chili” character without overwhelming heat.
Ground cumin: Brings out earthy, smoky notes that underline the comfort and depth in this dish.
Apples (peeled and roughly chopped): The real magic! They provide sweet lilt and tender bites that surprise and delight.
White onion (peeled & roughly diced): Rounds out the savory flavor profile and adds extra body to each spoonful.
Butter: Creates a rich, silky roux that thickens the chili beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Blended with butter for a classic roux, this ensures a luxuriously thick base.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and just the right amount of savory backbone; use low-sodium if you prefer more control over saltiness.
Half & half: Contributes creaminess and slight sweetness, enhancing the chili’s luscious texture.
Cannellini beans (drained): Creamy, mild beans that add heartiness without competing with the other flavors.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into the chili, delivering chew, tang, and an inviting color.
Salt & pepper: To taste; amp up the flavors and balance all the delicious elements.

How to Make White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Apples and Onions with Spices

Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium heat. Toss in your peeled, chopped apples and diced onion, letting them soften and release their aromas. Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, stirring often, until the mixture is fragrant and the apples and onion are perfectly tender — about 6 to 8 minutes. Once softened, transfer the mixture to a plate and set it aside for the moment.

Step 2: Make a Creamy Roux

Lower the heat to medium-low, then melt your butter in the same pot. Whisk in the flour, and let it cook for about a minute — this gets rid of any raw flour taste and starts forming the creamy magic that will enrich your chili.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Broth

Slowly add the chicken broth to your roux, whisking steadily to prevent lumps and to ensure a smooth consistency. Once all the broth is in, pour in the half & half, continuing to whisk as it comes together. Allow this luxurious mixture to simmer and thicken for three to five minutes; you’re looking for it to coat the back of a spoon without being too heavy.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Beans, and Apple-Onion Mixture

Gently stir the chopped rotisserie chicken, drained cannellini beans, and your reserved apple-onion mixture into the thickened broth. Blend everything until evenly combined, letting that sweet-savory goodness infuse every bite. If the chili’s looking too thick already, splash in a little more broth — but remember, this chili is meant to have a hearty, spoonable texture.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Season to Taste

Working off the heat, add the shredded Mexican blend cheese, stirring until it melts into a blanket of pure comfort. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Your creamy, dreamy White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili is ready to shine!

How to Serve White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili

Garnishes

Pile on your favorite toppers! Freshly grated white cheddar, sliced jalapenos for bite, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or crisp apple matchsticks all add color, freshness, or heat. Each garnish lets you customize the chili to suit your tastes or the season.

Side Dishes

This rich chili pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread for dunking, a crisp green salad for lightness, or even classic tortilla chips for a salty crunch. For a heartier spread, serve alongside cornbread or garlic toast, letting everyone clean their bowls to the last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili into bread bowls for a cozy, edible presentation, or set up a chili bar with all the toppings and let guests build their dream bowl. Mini portions in mugs or ramekins are perfect for parties, game nights, or even a warming appetizer course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats easily, so you can look forward to speedy lunches or leftover night throughout the week.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully! Cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to three months. For best results, avoid freezing with delicate garnishes or extra cheese on top; add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave or gently reheat the whole batch on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the chili thickens during storage, simply add a splash of chicken broth or half & half to loosen it back to the perfect, creamy consistency before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! Any firm, slightly tart apple (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji) works wonderfully in this White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili, each offering a unique twist. Avoid overripe apples, as they may turn mushy during cooking.

What if I want my chili spicier?

The base chili is mild, letting all the flavors shine. If you crave heat, stir in a diced jalapeno with the apples and onions, or top finished bowls with sliced fresh chilies or hot sauce.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Definitely! Any cooked chicken (shredded, diced, or pulled) can be used, making this recipe extra flexible for using up leftovers in a fresh way. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned for the best flavor.

Is there a substitute for the half & half?

If you need a non-dairy option, you can try unsweetened, unflavored oat milk or a rich coconut milk, but the chili may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat dairy is best for a classic, thick result.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap the chicken for an extra can of beans or hearty vegetables (like sweet potato or cauliflower), and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili will still be rich and satisfying with a plant-based twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your usual soup routine, give White Cheddar & Apple Chicken Chili a try! The blend of creamy, cheesy richness and bright apple sweetness makes this recipe a total winner with just enough unexpected flair. Gather your favorite toppings and dig in — you might just find your new fall and winter go-to comfort meal!