Cajun White Chicken Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Difficulty Level: Medium

Servings: 6

Introduction

When the chill of the evening settles in or you’re simply craving something hearty and flavorful, Cajun White Chicken Chili is the perfect answer. A delicious fusion of zesty Cajun spices and the comforting richness of white chili, this dish brings a bold Southern twist to a traditional classic. Packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, smoky seasonings, and a slight kick of heat, it’s a satisfying bowl that pleases every palate.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. It’s also a one-pot recipe, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the heat and texture to your preference, and even make it ahead for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern or Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn kernels, drained

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk

• Juice of 1 lime

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese

• Diced avocado

• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

• Lime wedges

• Hot sauce (for extra spice lovers)

Homemade Cajun Seasoning (optional)

If you prefer to make your own Cajun seasoning mix, here’s a quick blend:

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for future use.

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Add the chicken to the pot and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage.

4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño.

2. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Simmer

1. Add the Cajun seasoning, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables.

2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot.

3. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, along with the green chiles, corn, and beans.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

5. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.

2. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream.

2. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the chili thicken slightly.

3. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and stir.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, lime juice, or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.

2. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips.

Serving Suggestions

Cajun White Chicken Chili is a stand-alone meal, but it pairs well with:

• Cornbread or crusty bread

• A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette

• Jalapeño cheddar biscuits

• Rice or quinoa for extra bulk

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze cooled chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Intensity and Customization

Skill Level:

Medium – This recipe involves several steps including searing, simmering, and seasoning. While not overly complex, it does require a moderate amount of kitchen comfort and multitasking.

Heat Level:

Moderate to Spicy – Cajun spices bring a bit of kick, which can be dialed up or down. For less heat, reduce the cayenne or omit the jalapeño. For more fire, add hot sauce or more diced chilies.

Time Commitment:

Moderate – Under 1 hour total time with active cooking, making it great for weeknight meals or weekend cooking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 of 6 servings.

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 4g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 620mg

• Vitamin A: 850 IU

• Vitamin C: 22mg

• Calcium: 120mg

• Iron: 3mg

Tips and Tricks

• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt.

• Go dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of dairy for a creamy texture.

• Use rotisserie chicken: Speed things up by using pre-cooked chicken. Just shred and add it in Step 3.

• Add more veggies: Try chopped zucchini, spinach, or even kale for extra nutrition.

• Double the batch: This chili freezes well—make extra and save for a rainy day.

Conclusion

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a vibrant twist on a beloved comfort dish. It’s full of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and just enough spice to warm your soul. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Customize it to your taste, top it however you like, and enjoy a steaming bowl of Southern comfort with a kick!