Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun White Chicken Chili recipe is simple and delicious, combining tender chicken with bold Cajun spices in a creamy, comforting broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly with minimal prep. If you enjoy Cajun flavors, you might also like the Fall-Inspired Hearty Cajun Potato Soup or the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe for more hearty meal ideas.

Ingredients

This Cajun White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, and creamy white beans in a rich, flavorful broth with just the right amount of kick.

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced or diced
• 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or crema or heavy cream or 4 ounces cream cheese)
• 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (or parsley), chopped (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cajun White Chicken Chili recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed on all sides for maximum flavor.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.

Remove the chicken to a plate. It will finish cooking later in the chili.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add 1 diced onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4 — Build the Chili Base

Stir in 2 teaspoons of additional Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional) to the vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5 — Add Beans and Chicken

Add two 15-ounce cans of rinsed and drained white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini beans) to the pot. Shred or dice the seared chicken and return it to the pot.

Bring the Cajun White Chicken Chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6 — Simmer the Chili

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.

Step 7 — Finish and Serve

Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use full-fat coconut milk.

Ladle the hot Cajun White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	16g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Ground Chicken — A leaner protein swap that still absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
• Cauliflower Rice — Low-carb alternative to beans that soaks up the flavorful broth.
• Coconut Milk — Creamy dairy-free substitute that adds a subtle, sweet richness.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth — Reduces salt without sacrificing the savory base of the chili.
• Greek Yogurt — A tangy, high-protein topping instead of sour cream.
• Extra Bell Peppers & Celery — Bulk up the veggie content for more fiber and nutrients.
• Nutritional Yeast — Adds a cheesy flavor for a dairy-free, gluten-free option.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) — A fresh, low-carb addition to lighten up your Cajun White Chicken Chili.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with warm cornbread or crusty French bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Serve over steamed rice or with a side of cilantro-lime rice to make it a heartier meal.
• Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Accompany with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Perfect for game day gatherings, cozy weeknight dinners, or meal prep lunches.
• Garnish with shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is wonderfully versatile—adjust the spice level to suit your taste and enjoy it as a comforting, satisfying dish any day of the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw chicken directly in the broth. Fix: Sear seasoned chicken first to build a flavorful fond in the pot.
• Mistake: Overpowering with too much cayenne. Fix: Balance heat with smoked paprika and oregano for complex Cajun flavor.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early, causing curdling. Fix: Stir in cream or sour cream off-heat at the very end.
• Mistake: Using watery canned beans straight from the can. Fix: Rinse and drain beans thoroughly to control chili thickness.
• Mistake: Skipping the vegetable sauté step. Fix: Soften onions, celery, and peppers first to sweeten and deepen the base.
• Mistake: Underseasoning because beans absorb salt. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering, just before serving.
• Mistake: Over-thickening with too much flour early on. Fix: Use a cornstarch slurry at the end if needed for precise consistency.
• Mistake: Boiling the chili aggressively after adding chicken. Fix: Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and prevent toughness.
• Mistake: Not toasting dried spices before adding liquid. Fix: Bloom spices in oil for 30 seconds to unlock their full aroma.
• Mistake: Using only breast meat, which can dry out. Fix: Mix thigh and breast meat or shred cooked chicken for better texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Cajun White Chicken Chili completely, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always use shallow containers to cool your Cajun White Chicken Chili quickly and evenly before storing.

Conclusion

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavor-packed meal perfect for any night. If you enjoy this recipe, try our Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe next. Let us know how it turned out in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Cajun White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily prepare this Cajun White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients except for the beans and cream, cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in the beans and cream during the last 30 minutes. This method enhances the flavors and makes the chicken incredibly tender.

How can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun White Chicken Chili?

You can control the heat by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, use less seasoning or a mild blend; for more heat, add extra seasoning, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. Taste and adjust the spices to suit your preference for this flavorful Cajun White Chicken Chili.

What are the best toppings for Cajun White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. You can also add diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor. These additions complement the rich, spicy profile of the chili beautifully.