This cozy White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake combines tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and tasty spices. It’s a warm hug in a bowl for chilly days!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just mix everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for a comforting dinner when you’re craving something yummy and filling! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using cooked chicken breast for its texture, but rotisserie chicken is fantastic too since it’s already cooked. If you’re vegetarian, try replacing the chicken with shredded zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty option.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese creates a richer, creamier texture, but low-fat varieties work too. For a dairy-free choice, try vegan cream cheese or silken tofu for a similar consistency.
Cheeses: I use mozzarella and Monterey Jack for their meltiness. If you want a little kick, pepper jack is a great choice! Vegan cheese blends are perfect for a dairy-free version.
Green Chilies: Mild green chilies add flavor without too much heat. Canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies) can be a tasty alternative if chilies aren’t available.
How Do You Get the Best Cheese Melt?
The key to achieving a beautifully melted cheese on top is to mix half into the dish and reserve the other half for layering the top. Bake at a good temperature to get that golden color! Here’s my routine:
- Mix half the cheese into the filling to ensure delicious meltiness throughout.
- Top generously with the remaining cheese right before baking; this gives a wonderful crust.
- Watch it closely while baking—once it’s bubbly and golden, it’s done!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup green chilies, diced (mild or medium heat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped for garnish
- Dollop of sour cream and lime (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for whipping up during a chilly evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you mix everything together.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, sour cream, diced green chilies, rinsed white beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is combined well.
3. Season It Up:
Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the mixture. This is where the flavors start to come together, so mix it well!
4. Add the Cheeses:
Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. This helps create that creamy, cheesy goodness throughout the bake.
5. Transfer and Spread:
Now, transfer your mixture into individual ramekins or a large oven-safe baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
6. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese on top. This will give you a beautifully golden crust when it bakes.
7. Bake Until Golden:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—you want that perfect cheesy crust!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and let it cool for a few minutes. This also helps it set up a bit.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions. For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime on top for brightness. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a deliciously warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option or swap it for turkey, tofu, or even cooked quinoa for a vegetarian version. Just make sure any substitutes are cooked before you mix them in!
Can I Prepare This Bake in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave it in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally.
Is This Recipe Freezable?
Yes, this bake freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.