This White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake is a cozy and creamy dish that warms you right up. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and fluffy cottage cheese, it’s perfect for chilly days!
After a cold day, I love to pop this bake in the oven! The blend of flavors and the warm, cheesy goodness make it a delightful treat. Plus, it’s quick to prep—who can say no to that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken you have. For a vegetarian option, consider using shredded jackfruit or a meat substitute.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using plant-based cottage cheese or blended tofu for a similar creaminess.
Cheese: I love Monterey Jack for its meltiness, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar adds great flavor. If you want to go lighter on cheese, use reduced-fat versions or try a different combination like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Diced Green Chilies: These add a nice zing! If you can’t find them, feel free to use fresh jalapeños or poblano peppers for a heat adjustment according to your taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for the Bake?
The key to a rich and creamy consistency lies in mixing the cottage cheese and sour cream with the chicken broth smoothly. Here’s how to do it:
- Whisk It Well: Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, and broth until the mixture is smooth.
- Mixing: When adding the chicken mixture to the cheesy blend, stir gently to keep creamy chunks but also ensure a good distribution.
- Check the Thickness: If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth to lighten it up before baking.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfect texture that blends well and bakes to a golden finish!
White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Winter Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken & Dairy:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Vegetables & Spices:
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Essentials:
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This delicious bake takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to have this warm and comforting dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will prepare it for baking your creamy concoction perfectly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Mix in the Chicken:
Next, stir in the cooked shredded chicken along with the diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the heart of your bake!
5. Combine and Transfer:
Now, take the chicken mixture and add it to the cheese mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Once mixed, transfer this creamy goodness into a greased casserole or baking dish.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, making your kitchen smell amazing!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve this warm and cheesy dish alongside tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, cook it before shredding.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Replace the chicken with cooked beans (like black beans or pinto beans) or crumbled tempeh, and it will still be delicious and hearty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry while reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to keep it moist!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Bake?
This bake pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. You could also top it with additional herbs, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor!
