Creamy White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Bake

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Creamy White Chicken Chili Cottage Cheese Bake

A creamy, protein-packed casserole that combines tender chicken, white beans, green chillies, cottage cheese, and melted cheese into one comforting baked dish. This easy family dinner delivers all the flavours of white chicken chilli with the rich texture of a cheesy casserole.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 1½ cups cottage cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth

For Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the cumin, chilli powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavours.
  4. Add the shredded chicken, white beans, and green chillies. Mix well and remove from heat.
  5. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly combined.
  7. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  8. Sprinkle Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  9. Add jalapeño slices if desired.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden around the edges.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Tips & Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for an ultra-smooth texture.
  • This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner.

Servings

  • Serves: 6–8 people

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Benefits

  • High in protein from chicken, cottage cheese, and beans.
  • Rich and satisfying while remaining relatively balanced.
  • Great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
  • Provides fibre, calcium, and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. Cooked shredded turkey is an excellent substitute.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with it?
A simple green salad, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips pair well.

Can I make it lower in fat?
Use reduced-fat cottage cheese, light cream cheese, and light sour cream.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
No, but blending creates a smoother, creamier casserole texture.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work very well in this recipe.

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