This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a warm hug in a dish! With tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and flavorful spices, it’s both hearty and comforting.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! I like to top mine with a sprinkle of cheese and some crunchy tortilla chips for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken breast is essential here. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works great! You can also use turkey for a lighter version.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans add creaminess. If you need a substitute, chickpeas or navy beans can also work, but they’ll give a different texture.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient gives creaminess. You can opt for low-fat or full-fat, depending on your preference. For a dairy-free alternative, try silken tofu blended with a splash of plant milk.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella and Monterey Jack together—so melty! If you want to mix it up, try cheddar or pepper jack for a kick.
Green Chilies: Mild canned green chilies add flavor without too much spice. If you want more heat, consider using fresh jalapeños or a hotter pepper. You can even skip them if that’s what you prefer!
How Do I Ensure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted and Bubbly?
To get that perfect cheesy top on your bake, follow these tips. First, bake it at 375°F (190°C)—this is the magic temperature for melting cheese without burning it.
- Spread the cheese evenly on top for a uniform melt.
- Keep it uncovered in the oven to allow that beautiful browning.
- If it seems like it’s not browning enough, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end—just watch it closely!
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking also helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your bake with confidence!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mild green chilies (canned, diced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish will take you approximately 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking time in the oven. You’ll spend a little time sautéing and combining everything before it goes in the oven, making it a wonderful option for a cozy winter evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your bake cooks evenly and the cheese gets all melty!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne (if you like it spicy), and salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
4. Simmer and Mix in Cottage Cheese:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all those flavors blend beautifully. After simmering, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cottage cheese until well incorporated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer the cheesy mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out across the dish so it cooks evenly.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. This will give you that delicious cheesy layer everyone loves!
7. Bake Until Bubbling:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly with some lovely golden brown spots.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove your bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. This waiting time helps everything settle a bit. Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your comforting White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake warm, ideally with tortilla chips, warm bread, or a crisp side salad. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Enjoy your delicious winter meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded turkey. Feel free to mix it up according to your preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with additional beans, lentils, or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You might want to adjust the spices for added flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the entire mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pour it into your baking dish, add the cheese on top, and bake as directed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
