This warm and tasty White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is perfect for chilly days! With tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and zesty spices, it’s a bowl of comfort.
I love how this dish warms me right up! Plus, it’s so easy to make—just mix and bake. It makes a great family meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget the bread for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver! You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. If you’re vegetarian, try using cooked chickpeas or tofu instead.
White Beans: Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans work well here. If they’re not available, you can swap them for navy beans or even lentils for a different texture.
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you don’t like cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese, but adjust the amount of chicken broth for consistency.
Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great choices, but you could also use cheddar or Pepper Jack if you want a bit more kick. That said, don’t skip cheese altogether—it adds richness!
Spices: Ground cumin, oregano, and chili powder boost flavor. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne. Try paprika for a milder taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust according to your spice preference!
How Do I Sauté Onions and Garlic Without Burning Them?
Sautéing onions and garlic right makes a big difference in flavor! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with medium heat—too high can burn them quickly.
- Add olive oil first, then toss in onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Then add garlic and stir often. Cook just for 1-2 minutes, fragrant but not brown!
- If they start to stick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen them up.
Keep an eye on them, and your dish will have a fantastic base of flavor!
How to Make White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1-2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper or black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bake takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a cozy winter night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. This is key for building that lovely base flavor!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, drained white beans, the sautéed onions and garlic, cottage cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder, white pepper, cayenne (if you like a little heat), and salt. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets that tasty goodness!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will create a deliciously gooey layer when baked!
6. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top—perfection!
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make serving easier and will keep that delicious filling from being too hot to handle!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your winter bake with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a comforting meal everyone will love. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any prepared chicken works wonderfully in this bake. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the mixture.
Can I Make This Bake Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas, lentils, or sautéed vegetables. You might want to add extra seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed!