This cozy White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and flavorful spices, it’s a tasty treat for cold days.
The best part? It’s super easy to make and perfect for leftovers. I love serving it with some crusty bread on the side—nothing beats a satisfying meal like this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast gives great flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even swap it out for shredded turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess and protein. If you’re not a fan, try ricotta cheese or even a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
Onions & Garlic: Use yellow onions for sweetness and aroma. If you’re short on fresh onions, you can use onion powder (1 tsp) as a substitute and garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work perfectly here. For a different texture, chickpeas could be a fun alternative.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is mild and melts beautifully, but mozzarella or cheddar also work. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese blend!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavors in This Dish?
Getting maximum flavor in your Winter Bake is all about properly sautéing the onions and garlic. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Start by heating olive oil in your skillet. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the onions first and sauté them until they’re soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4 minutes.
- When you add garlic, remember it cooks quickly! Keep stirring, and once it’s fragrant (usually less than a minute), quickly add the remaining ingredients.
Cooking the spices with the mix helps to bloom their flavors. If you want an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken and Veggies:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
For the Bake:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges and tortilla chips or sliced bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold winter night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bake will cook evenly and beautifully.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them for about 4 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. Stirring often helps here!
3. Mix in the Spices and Veggies:
Add the drained green chilies, white beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook this mixture for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to let the flavors come together.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, the sautéed veggies and spice mix, cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease an oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the dish, smoothing the top as needed.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked!
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese that’s slightly golden on top.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Savor:
Serve your warm Winter Bake with dollops of sour cream on the side if desired. Lime wedges and tortilla chips or slices of crusty bread make the perfect accompaniments!
Enjoy this cozy, creamy dish packed with flavor—it’s sure to become a favorite for cold winter evenings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submersing it in cold water.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the bake in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it straight from the fridge; it may take a few extra minutes to heat through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Yes! While Monterey Jack is great for melting, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a vegan cheese blend if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.