This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is like a warm hug in a dish! Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
The best part? It really warms you up and fills you up! I love to serve it with some crunchy bread on the side. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is key here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken if you have any. Alternatively, shredded turkey works well too.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese still works but might be less rich. Cream cheese can be a nice alternative for a smoother texture.
Cheese Blend: I love Monterey Jack for its meltiness, but you can switch it with cheddar or a Mexican blend. For a richer taste, add some cream cheese to the mix.
Jalapeños: Adjust the spice by using fewer jalapeños or swapping them for bell peppers if you want a milder dish. You can also use canned green chilies for a milder kick.
How Do You Make Sure the Onion and Garlic Don’t Burn?
Cooking the onion and garlic is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium. If it’s too hot, the onion will brown too quickly.
- Add the onion first and sauté until it’s soft (4-5 minutes) before adding the garlic; this gives it a head start.
- Add garlic and stir for only about a minute or until fragrant. Garlic can burn in seconds, so watch closely!
- Using a little water or broth can help if you sense anything might stick or burn.
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the Creamy Mixture:
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and mix everything together, followed by about 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, expect to spend around 45 minutes for this delicious dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to get your bake bubbling and golden.
2. Prepare the Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Add Peppers and Spices:
Now stir in the jalapeños, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Allow everything to cook together for about 2 minutes. This will help release the wonderful flavors of the spices!
4. Combine Chicken:
Next, add your cooked chicken breast to the skillet and mix it well with the spices and vegetables. Make sure everything is well coated, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Mix the Creamy Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped cilantro (save a bit for garnish later), green onions, and chicken broth. Whisk or blend this mixture until it’s nice and smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything:
In this step, gently fold the spicy chicken mixture into the creamy cheese mixture until everything is well mixed and harmonious.
7. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish or casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes perfectly all around.
8. Bake:
Now, place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
9. Broil for Browning:
If you want an extra crispy and golden-brown top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick. Serve it hot with some crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even over rice for a complete meal.
This white chicken chili bake is creamy, comforting, and sure to warm you up on a cold winter night. Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for this bake. Just shred or dice it, and you can use rotisserie chicken or even turkey as a great alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you have more than you can eat, it can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just make sure to freeze in individual portions!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans for protein and a hearty texture!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This bake pairs beautifully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even over rice or quinoa. A fresh green salad on the side also complements it nicely!
