Description
Cajun White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, white beans, and bold Cajun spices into a soul-warming chili with a perfect balance of spice, texture, and richness. Ideal for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, this versatile recipe is easy to make and customizable to your preferred spice level.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Beans
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies or 1-2 jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
Seasonings & Fats
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic, and other spices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the chili.
- Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices – Stir in the diced chicken pieces and Cajun seasoning blend. Cook until chicken is lightly browned and well coated with the spices, roughly 5-7 minutes, locking in bold flavors.
- Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beans – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the drained white beans and chopped green chilies or jalapeños. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese – Lower the heat and gradually stir in cream cheese or sour cream until fully melted and incorporated. This step creates a creamy, smooth texture that balances the spices.
- Step 5: Final Simmer and Taste – Allow the chili to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for richer broth and deeper flavor if time allows.
- Don’t skimp on Cajun seasoning to achieve authentic flavor.
- Add cream cheese slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Let chili rest 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Cajun White Chicken Chili, creamy chicken chili, spicy chicken chili, white bean chili, gluten free chili, comfort food, quick chili recipe
