Imagine the tantalizing aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, mingling with the sweet crispness of green apples, wafting through your kitchen.
Picture the creamy, velvety texture of cream cheese melding into a rich, savory broth, enveloping tender pieces of chicken and soft white beans.
This Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a comforting bowl of goodness that brings people together.
I remember a hectic weekday evening when this hearty chili saved the day, effortlessly bringing my family to the table with smiles and hungry appetites.
Its unique blend of flavors and comforting warmth has become our go-to for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday suppers.
Ready to plunge into a bowl of this deliciousness and create your own comforting moment? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a unique blend of green apple and spices.
- Freezes beautifully for convenient, future meal prep.
- Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy dinner option.
- Combines creamy texture with a satisfying, hearty consistency.
- Offers a healthy twist with lean chicken and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed — opt for organic if available.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — choose extra virgin for best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced — yellow onions work well for sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic enhances aroma.
- 1 green apple, peeled and diced — Granny Smith for tartness.
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed — cannellini beans are preferred.
- 4 cups chicken broth — low sodium for healthier option.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin — adds earthy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder — for a mild kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground for best flavor.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened — full-fat for creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice — freshly squeezed for acidity.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped — adds fresh, citrusy notes.
Step-by-Step Method
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Verify the oil is hot but not smoking to prevent burning.
Brown the Chicken
Add cubed chicken breast to the hot oil. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later use.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes.
This step will build a flavorful base for the chili.
Cook the Apple
Stir in the diced green apple and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Allow the apple to soften slightly, enhancing the dish’s sweetness and complexity.
Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the drained white beans and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Season the Chili
Add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Stir well to verify even seasoning throughout the chili.
Simmer the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
Make certain the cream cheese is well incorporated for a smooth chili.
Add Finishing Touches
Add lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro, stirring well to integrate these final flavors.
These ingredients will brighten the chili and add a fresh kick.
Rest the Chili
Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This resting period allows the flavors to settle and develop further.
Serve and enjoy your Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream.
- Substitute the chicken breast with turkey or extra white beans for a vegetarian option.
- If green apples are unavailable, use tart varieties like Granny Smith or alternatively, try pears for a slightly different flavor profile.
You Must Know
- Dice Ingredients Uniformly: Confirm that the green apple, onion, and chicken are diced into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground cumin and chili powder. Fresh spices can greatly enhance the taste and aroma of your chili.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the pot. This will help it blend more smoothly and create a creamy consistency in the chili.
- Let Chili Rest: After cooking, let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding a chopped jalapeño along with the onion and garlic. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Serving Tips
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for added texture.
- Garnish with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine or a revitalizing lager.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Serve in a bread bowl for a hearty presentation.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the chili in advance and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Reheating
To gently reheat Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, use a microwave on medium power.
Alternatively, you can use an oven at low temperature, or a stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating.
Chili’s American Culinary Roots
As I gently reheat my bowl of Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, I can’t help but think about the rich tapestry of flavors that chili brings to the American table.
It’s a dish as diverse as our nation, with roots that intertwine with the cultures that built this country. I remember my first taste of chili at a small Texas diner, where the warmth of spices and the comfort of hearty ingredients felt like a culinary embrace.
This dish, with its unexpected twist of green apple and cream cheese, exemplifies the innovation we love in American cuisine. It’s a reminder of how we continually reinvent classic recipes, keeping traditions alive while adding our personal flavor to the ever-evolving American palate.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this unique Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili a try and experience a delightful twist on a classic dish?
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste, perhaps by adding a jalapeño for extra heat or topping it with freshly grated cheddar cheese for a richer flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Chili Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, you can make this chili in a slow cooker! I’ve done it by adding all ingredients, except cream cheese, and cooking on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream cheese at the end for creamy perfection. Enjoy!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, I’d swap the cream cheese for a creamy cashew or coconut milk alternative. When I tried this, the subtle sweetness of coconut milk added a delightful twist. You might love the creamy result!
What Sides Pair Well With This Chili?
I love pairing this chili with warm, crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Once, I served it with cornbread, and the sweetness perfectly balanced the chili’s flavors. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Can I Freeze Leftovers for Later Use?
Absolutely, you can freeze the leftovers! I’ve done it myself, and it works like a charm. Just cool the chili completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and freeze. Reheat gently for a comforting meal anytime.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
I’d swap chicken for hearty chickpeas or extra beans, keeping that delightful creamy texture with cream cheese. I once tried adding sweet potatoes for a vibrant twist, and it was a hit at my family’s dinner.
Green Apple and Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Stirring spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 green apple peeled and diced
- 1 can white beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced green apple and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot.
- Pour in the white beans and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined and creamy.
- Add lime juice and fresh cilantro, stirring well.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
