This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a cozy dish filled with tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and tasty spices. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days!
What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. Just mix everything and bake! You can have a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers are amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use diced rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, you can swap it with cooked white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a rich flavor, but you can use low-fat if you prefer. Ricotta can be a good substitute too, just note it will be thicker and creamier.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess; however, Greek yogurt is a healthier option with more protein. You could also use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan take.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Monterey Jack create a great melty texture. If you want to mix it up, try Pepper Jack for some heat or a cheese blend if you’re looking for varied flavors.
Diced Green Chilies: These add a mild kick, but if you want more heat, use jalapeños instead. You can also use fresh green peppers if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Mixture Just Right?
Getting the chicken mixture perfectly cooked and flavorful is essential. Start by cooking the onions until they’re soft and translucent, as this builds a solid flavor base. Don’t rush while cooking the spices; this really enhances their aroma!
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until softened (about 4 minutes) before adding garlic for that extra flavor boost.
- Once garlic is added, cook for just a minute so it doesn’t burn, then stir in your spices.
- Finally, mix in the chicken and green chilies, warming everything through. This step ensures your chicken gets infused with the spices!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred for creaminess)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 25–30 minutes in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45–50 minutes. It’s super simple and worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a large ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s nice and translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its amazing aroma.
3. Spice it Up:
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Allow the spices to cook for about 30 seconds—this helps release their delicious aromas!
4. Add Chicken & Chilies:
Now, add your diced cooked chicken and the can of green chilies to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything and warm it through. This mix is going to add great flavor to the dish!
5. Mix Your Cheesy Goodness:
In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), half of the shredded mozzarella, and all of the Monterey Jack cheese. Add in the chopped cilantro and chicken broth, then stir well to combine.
6. Combine & Transfer:
Gently fold the sautéed chicken mixture into the cheese mixture until everything is well combined. It’s okay if it looks a little messy; just make sure it’s nicely mixed! Then, transfer this hearty mix into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of your casserole. This will get all melty and delicious while it bakes!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbly and golden brown—yummy!
9. Cool & Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your bake cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Before serving, garnish with some extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
10. Enjoy!
Serve it warm, and feel free to enjoy it with rice or tortilla chips for an extra hearty meal. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and comforting goodness of your White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Cook it until fully done before dicing for the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with cooked white beans, chickpeas, or your favorite veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini. This still adds great texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy when reheating!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it (up to 24 hours) before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
