This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a warm and comforting dish! It’s packed with chicken, beans, and a creamy cottage cheese layer that adds a tasty twist.
I love how it fills the kitchen with a cozy smell while it bakes. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy chili on chilly days! Grab a bowl and dig in; you’ll be back for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken, like rotisserie for ease or leftover chicken from a previous meal. If you’re going meatless, chickpeas are a great substitute to keep the protein.
White Beans: I suggest using cannellini or Great Northern beans for a creamy texture. You can replace these with navy beans or even black beans if you like a different flavor.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess! If you’re not a fan, you could swap it for Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Green Chilies: These give a nice kick! If you want less heat, use mild or skip this altogether. Diced bell peppers can also add sweetness!
How Do You Get the Cheese on Top Just Right?
Getting the cheese bubbly and golden can be tricky but super rewarding! Here’s how to do it:
- Use fresh cheese rather than pre-shredded; it melts better!
- Spread the cheese evenly across the top to ensure an even melt.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil until the cheese is fully melted, then uncover it for the final browning.
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and another 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 40-45 minutes to enjoy this delicious winter bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bake cooks evenly and nicely!
2. Sautéing the Onions:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell fantastic!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, chopped green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together so that the flavors start blending.
5. Simmer the Mixture:
Pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. If the mixture seems a bit thick, feel free to add more broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Incorporate Cottage Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the cottage cheese. This adds a creamy texture and delicious taste to your bake.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to prepare for the cheese topping.
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This is what makes the bake extra creamy and golden!
9. Bake Until Golden:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors settle, and it won’t be too hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your warm and comforting White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake! It’s perfect for chilly evenings and will surely be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw and cook it first. You can poach or bake the chicken until fully cooked and then shred it for the recipe. This keeps everything nice and safe as you’re preparing your bake!
What Can I Use in Place of Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just be aware that Greek yogurt will add a bit of tanginess!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Make This Bake Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with more beans or cooked quinoa and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will be just as delicious and hearty!