This warm and cozy White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is perfect for chilly days! It combines tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a blend of spices for a comforting dish.
The best part? It’s an easy one-pot meal, making clean-up a breeze! I love to top it with some crunchy tortilla chips for extra fun—who can resist that combination? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast for this recipe. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is fantastic as a shortcut! You can also use leftover turkey or even plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese keeps the dish creamy without too many calories. If you don’t like cottage cheese, ricotta can be a great substitute for a slightly sweeter taste. Just smooth it out a bit before mixing.
Cheeses: I love the combo of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for that gooey, cheesy finish. Feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re going plant-based.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect here. If you don’t have these, chickpeas can work, but it’ll change the texture. Black beans are an option, but they will alter the color.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Bake?
The texture of your White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Bake is key for a comforting experience. To achieve that perfect creamy blend, follow these steps:
- Sauté onions gently until they’re soft; this adds depth.
- Add spices right after the garlic to enhance their flavor. Cooking them briefly releases their oils.
- Mix cottage cheese and sour cream really well until smooth. This ensures no clumps and a creamy consistency.
- Don’t rush baking; let it brown nicely. This not only looks great but makes for a tasty crust!
Letting it rest after baking also helps set the textures and makes serving easier. Enjoy your cozy meal!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup canned white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious winter bake will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook in the oven. With a total of about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a cozy, hearty dish ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for our bake!
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, pour a splash of olive oil or melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This adds great flavor to your dish!
3. Add the Aromatics:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Cook this mixture for another minute until it smells delicious and fragrant!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Time to add in the diced green chilies, rinsed white beans, the cooked chicken, and chicken broth. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to blend all those wonderful flavors!
5. Mix in the Creamy Ingredients:
Remove your skillet from heat and stir in the cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix everything well until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or an oven-safe casserole. It’s looking good already!
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. More cheese = more yum!
8. Bake it Up:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let it Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the bake to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit before you serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your winter bake with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot alongside toasted bread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a comforting winter meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have will work perfectly. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the mix. It’s a great time-saver!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables and perhaps some cooked quinoa or additional beans for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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 microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Can I Freeze This Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until hot!
