🌶️🍗 Cajun White Chicken Chili
Perfect for cozy nights with a Southern kick!
Creamy, hearty, and packed with bold Cajun flavor—this white chicken chili is a satisfying twist on the classic. With tender chicken, creamy beans, and just the right heat, it’s comfort food with flair.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed or shredded)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup corn (frozen or canned, optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Juice of ½ lime
- Toppings: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken
- Add chicken pieces, Cajun seasoning, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt & pepper.
- Cook until chicken is no longer pink on the outside (about 5–7 minutes).
- Build the Chili Base
- Stir in beans, green chiles, corn (if using), and chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Make it Creamy
- Lower the heat. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice.
- Let simmer gently for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve & Garnish
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and more Cajun spice if desired.
🍽️ Servings:
4–6 servings
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 390–450 kcal
- Protein: 28–32g
- Carbs: 20–25g
- Fat: 20–25g
- Fiber: 5–6g
- Sugar: 3–4g
May vary based on ingredients and toppings used
✅ Benefits:
- High in Protein – chicken and beans provide a satisfying protein boost
- Comforting & Filling – creamy base and hearty texture
- Spices Aid Digestion – Cajun and cumin stimulate metabolism
- Easy to Modify – adaptable to dietary needs and spice preferences
- Perfect for Batch Cooking – great for leftovers or freezing
💡 Notes:
- For extra spice, add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- If you prefer thicker chili, mash some beans before adding the cream.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or more sour cream for a lighter option.
🧠 Tips:
- Double the batch and freeze half—it reheats beautifully!
- Garnish with avocado slices or crushed tortilla chips for texture.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving—flavors deepen as it sits.
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Add everything except sour cream, cream, and lime. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. Stir in dairy and lime just before serving.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: It has a mild to medium kick. Adjust Cajun seasoning or chiles to your heat preference.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based yogurt or omit entirely and increase broth.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.