This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is warm and cozy, perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and beans for a tasty meal.
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just mix, bake, and let the comforting smells fill your kitchen. Plus, who can resist a dish that warms you up both inside and out? ❄️🥘
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease or any leftover chicken. You can also use shredded turkey, if preferred. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with chickpeas or vegetables.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work best; they add creaminess. If you’re out, you can use navy beans or even black beans for a slightly different taste.
Cottage Cheese: This is a key ingredient for creaminess! You can use ricotta if you want a richer texture. Cottage cheese can be swapped with cream cheese for an ultra-creamy filling.
Cheese: Monterey Jack gives a nice melt, but mozzarella is a great alternative. Cheddar works too, just remember it will change the flavor a bit.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste. For more heat, add crushed red pepper or cayenne. For a milder flavor, skip the chili powder.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Bake for This Dish?
To get a wonderful golden-brown top while ensuring the mixture is heated through, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Preheat the oven to get even cooking. A hot oven helps to melt the cheese nicely.
- Keep the casserole uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking. This helps the cheese get a bubbly, crispy finish.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking; this makes it easier to serve and lets flavors meld better.
Following these steps will give you that perfect, bubbling, cheesy bake we all love!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat, based on preference)
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bake requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 25-30 minutes of cooking time in the oven. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy dinner during the winter months!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bake cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, grab your baking dish and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, add the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained white beans, the sautéed onion and garlic, diced green chilies, cottage cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly mixed.
4. Add Cheesy Goodness:
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese into the mixture. This will add extra creaminess and flavor to your bake!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
6. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup to 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
7. Bake in the Oven:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
8. Cool Before Serving:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling period will help it set and make serving easier.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. This dish is delightful on its own or paired with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy White Chicken Chili Winter Bake! It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy on a chilly day!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
What Can I Substitute for the Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can replace it with ricotta for a creamier texture or even use a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a richer flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water if it seems a bit dry.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
