This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a warm and tasty dish that combines chicken, beans, and a creamy cottage cheese layer. It’s perfect for cozy evenings!
I love how filling it is—like a hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s so easy to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy with some bread. Who can resist seconds of this comfort food?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This keeps things healthy and adds a nice flavor. If you’re out, any cooking oil like avocado or canola works fine.
Chicken: Shredded white chicken makes it easy, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for zest or leftover turkey if you have it. It’s a great way to reduce waste!
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can replace it with silken tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Beans: I prefer white beans like cannellini for their mild flavor, but chickpeas or black beans can bring a different twist. Just be sure to rinse them well!
Cheddar Cheese: I stick with mozzarella for its melting qualities, but mix it up! A bit of sharp cheddar can bring more flavor if you prefer.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté My Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic sets the flavor base for this dish. To get this right, heat your skillet over medium heat and use enough oil to coat the bottom (about 2 tablespoons). Here’s how:
- Add chopped onions first and let them cook until they are translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- When they’re soft, add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly, and you don’t want that bitterness!
Keep an eye on them; the right cook brings out sweetness, which makes the dish so much better!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked, shredded white chicken breast
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. A quick yet satisfying meal for any cold night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’ll be hot and ready once you’re finished prepping.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning!
3. Add Garlic:
Once the onions are soft, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Mix in the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to blend those wonderful flavors.
5. Add Cottage Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and spread the cottage cheese evenly over the chicken chili mixture. This creamy layer adds a delightful texture!
6. Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will give you that delicious, gooey topping!
7. Bake It:
Place your skillet or Dutch oven in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it!
8. Broil for a Perfect Finish:
For a golden-brown top, switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes. Stay close and watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot from the baking dish, and enjoy with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Indulge in this heartwarming dish that captures the spirit of winter comfort food, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor, or leftover turkey if you have it. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding it to the dish.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free option or simply don’t have cottage cheese, try using silken tofu blended until smooth or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Both will provide a creamy texture!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just be sure to bake it just before serving. If it’s cold from the fridge, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry!
