This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a cozy dish that’ll warm you right up! It blends tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and savory spices for a hearty meal.
Perfect for chilly nights, this bake is a great way to sneak in some veggies. I love making it and enjoying the leftovers, which taste even better the next day. Comfort food at its best! ☃️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the backbone of this dish. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a quick option. You can also use turkey for a healthier twist. Vegetarian? Try canned chickpeas or cooked lentils for protein.
Jalapeños: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños. If you prefer mildness, swap them with bell peppers. I often add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick!
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work well, but you can substitute with chickpeas or navy beans if needed. These add heartiness and fiber to your bake.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese brings creaminess to the dish. If you want a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is great for melting, but try cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda if you want to mix things up. Each brings its own unique twist to the flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Consistency for My Chili Bake?
Getting the right consistency for your chili bake is key so it doesn’t turn out watery or too thick. Here’s how:
- Start with the right amount of chicken broth, too much can make it soupy. Use roughly 4 cups, but you can adjust based on preference.
- Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes after adding beans and corn, allowing it to thicken naturally as some liquid evaporates.
- When adding cottage cheese and shredded cheese, stir gently to create a creamy blend without turning it into too much of a sauce.
Following these tips will ensure your bake is creamy but not runny, enhancing your comfort food experience!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (e.g. cannellini or great northern beans)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or your preference)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella (for melting)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Bread slices, toasted or grilled for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. Including broiling time, you’ll be enjoying your delicious winter bake in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven Broiler:
Start by preheating your oven’s broiler. This will give a nice golden finish to your chili bake after it’s cooked!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeños, stirring them until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stirring is key to avoid burning the garlic!
3. Add the Spices:
Next, stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute. This will help release the wonderful aromas from the spices!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken, white beans, frozen corn, and chicken broth to your skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Allow it to simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together and the chili to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Take the skillet off the heat and gently stir in the cottage cheese and shredded cheese until it’s all melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
6. Transfer and Top:
Carefully transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or keep it in the skillet if it’s safe for the oven. Sprinkle the top with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for an extra flavorful touch.
7. Broil to Finish:
Pop the baking dish or skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—you’re looking for that gorgeous golden bubbly cheese on top. It can burn quickly, so stay alert!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve it hot with toasted or grilled bread slices for dipping. Enjoy your cozy winter meal!
This bake yields a creamy, cheesy, spicy white chili that’s excellent for winter comfort food, combining the tangy smoothness of cottage cheese with a savory blend of chicken, beans, and warming spices. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first! The best method is to thaw overnight in the fridge, or you can use a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, shred it before adding it to the dish.
Can I Make This Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili mixture a day in advance, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, add the cheeses, and then broil to get that delicious bubbly top. Just make sure to enjoy it within 2 days for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s evenly heated. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it from drying out.
Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese or want a different flavor, you can use ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt as a substitute. They will still provide creaminess and a nice tanginess to the dish!
