This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is warm and cozy—a perfect dish for chilly days! It’s creamy, filled with chicken, beans, and spices that will hug your tummy.
I love how the cottage cheese adds a nice twist to this classic chili. Plus, making it all in one dish means there’s less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that? 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for this dish. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas instead for protein.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work best for creaminess. If you don’t have these, feel free to substitute with navy beans or even pinto beans for a different flavor twist.
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient that adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use ricotta. If dairy-free, silken tofu blended until smooth can be a good replacement.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella and Monterey Jack for their meltiness. If you want a vegan version, use vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for flavor without cheese.
Spices: Ground cumin and oregano are crucial for flavor. If you’re out of these, taco seasoning can also work well. Adjust the heat with jalapeños or cayenne based on your preference!
How Can I Get the Perfectly Bubbly Topping?
To achieve that golden and bubbly cheese topping, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Heat guarantees proper melting.
- Don’t skip the extra cheese on top! It creates that beautiful crust.
- Keep an eye on the bake—if it’s browning too fast, cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set a little, making serving easier.
I promise, following these tips will give you that impressive cheesy finish! Happy cooking!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern beans)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sour cream, for serving
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious winter bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. The entire process from start to finish takes roughly 40 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner option for those chilly nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your bake when you are!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will make the base of your dish flavorful and aromatic.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapeños:
Add in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, if using. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant.
4. Combine Main Ingredients:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, drained white beans, corn, diced green chilies, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so those flavors can marry!
5. Simmer with Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the mix thickens slightly. Afterward, remove it from the heat.
6. Mix Cheese and Cilantro:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with the chopped cilantro. This will create a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the chicken and beans perfectly.
7. Combine the Mixtures:
Carefully fold the warm chicken and bean mixture into the cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well incorporated, so each bite is delicious!
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out so it’s evenly spread.
9. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top. More cheese, more goodness!
10. Bake:
Now, place your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help set the cheese. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
12. Enjoy!
This creamy, cheesy bake is the perfect comfort food for winter. Serve it alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or cube it and add it directly to the mixture. This is a great way to use up leftovers and save time!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or another protein like tofu. Also, be sure to check that your cheese is rennet-free if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in individual portions until hot.
Can I Freeze This Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well! After baking and cooling, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.