This cozy bake combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cottage cheese for a warm and hearty meal. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you need a little comfort in a bowl!
Honestly, nothing says “winter warmth” like this dish. I love how the cottage cheese adds that extra creaminess without being too heavy. Plus, it’s easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken; it’s quick and flavorful! If you have leftovers, that works too. For a vegetarian twist, use canned chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient provides creaminess without being heavy. Low-fat works well, but you can try ricotta or Greek yogurt for a different texture and taste!
White Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite for their creaminess. You can swap them for navy beans or great northern beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor. If you’re looking for something lower in fat, try a reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free cheese. Just ensure it melts well!
Diced Green Chilies: They add a subtle heat and flavor. If you want a little kick, use jalapeños instead, or go for fresh poblano peppers for a milder option.
What’s the Best Way to Get Creamy Texture?
For a perfectly creamy outcome, combining dairy products like cottage cheese and sour cream is crucial. Here’s how to ensure it blends well:
- Use a large bowl to mix the cottage cheese and sour cream with the other ingredients. This allows even distribution.
- Consider using a hand mixer briefly to smooth out the cottage cheese if you prefer a less chunky texture.
- Make sure the chicken broth is room temperature or warm when you add it. This helps everything blend together more smoothly!
Don’t rush this step—taking your time will result in a rich, creamy bake that everyone will love!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-fat or regular cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or medium)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious winter bake will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. You’ll need about 5 minutes of resting time before serving, making the total time roughly 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a medium-to-large baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, chicken broth, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined—this creamy mixture is where the magic begins!
3. Fold in the Chicken and Beans:
Now, gently add the cooked chicken and white beans to your creamy mixture. Use a spatula to fold them in carefully, ensuring you incorporate them without breaking the chicken too much. You want to keep some nice chunks for texture!
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. This will brighten up the dish and add a lovely color too!
5. Transfer and Top:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a rich and cheesy finish.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
7. Let it Rest:
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a bit and make serving easier.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and any extra cilantro or parsley you’d like. If you enjoy some heat, add sliced jalapeños on top. This bake pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Dig in and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of your White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or cube it before mixing it in for convenience and extra flavor!
How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or using spicy diced green chilies. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it fiery!
Can I Prepare This Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before baking, and it might need a few extra minutes in the oven!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit dry!
