This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a cozy meal perfect for chilly days. It combines tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and creamy cottage cheese, creating a warm and inviting dish!
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love that it’s easy to whip up and super filling. Just mix everything, bake, and enjoy a hearty meal that warms your soul. Perfect with some crusty bread on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I used shredded chicken breast for its lean meat and flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep, or even swap it with shredded turkey for a nice twist.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese creates a great texture in this bake. If you prefer, ricotta cheese is a lovely alternative, adding an even creamier feel.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work well. If you don’t have these, chickpeas can be a fun substitute – they add a nice nutty taste!
Green Chiles: Diced green chiles bring heat and flavor. For a milder option, try using sweet bell peppers. If you want more spice, jalapeños are a great choice.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is my favorite for its melting quality. You could also mix in Pepper Jack for more flavor or use cheddar cheese for a different taste.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Either adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is a healthier option, but feel free to use plain yogurt or even cream cheese in a pinch!
How Do I Make Sure My White Sauce is Smooth?
Making a smooth white sauce, or béchamel, can seem tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips. The key is to whisk continuously. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat to prevent burning. Melt the butter.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking gently until soft. Their sweetness enhances your sauce.
- Mix in flour and keep stirring for 1-2 minutes—this will help it blend smoothly.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. This prevents lumps from forming!
- Continue stirring until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
With practice, you’ll master creamy textures every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1 cup cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern)
- 1 cup green chilies, diced (roasted or canned, mild or spicy depending on preference)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus about 25 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can have this warm and hearty dish ready in about 35 minutes! The best part is that you can relax while it’s baking away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it nice and hot, perfect for baking!
2. Prepare the White Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and stir for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Make it Creamy:
Now sprinkle in the flour and cook while stirring for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux (this thickens your sauce). Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to keep it smooth without lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, usually about 4-5 minutes.
4. Season it Up:
Add in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together nicely to incorporate those yummy flavors!
5. Mix Your Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cooked white beans, diced green chilies, cottage cheese, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Toss in half of the Monterey Jack cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, and give it all a good mix!
6. Combine with the Sauce:
Pour that delicious white sauce over your chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined. Your bake is really coming together!
7. Transfer & Top:
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish (or individual ramekins if you want to serve it up fancy!). Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top for that melty goodness.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can almost taste it already!
9. Garnish & Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a colorful finish!
10. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve warm and pair it with some toasted bread or crunchy tortilla chips on the side for a complete comfort meal. Enjoy every tasty bite!
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This Winter Bake is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat from the green chilies, making it the perfect comfort dish for those chilly nights! Enjoy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with raw chicken, you can cook it beforehand by grilling, boiling, or baking it until fully cooked. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a great alternative that will provide a creamy texture. You can also use cream cheese for an even richer flavor, just be sure to soften it first for easy mixing!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly without needing to thaw, but it may require a few extra minutes of baking time.