Cajun White Chicken Chili
This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting twist on classic chili with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends!
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced green chiles 4 oz
- 2 cans white beans drained and rinsed (15 oz each)
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 4 oz cream cheese for extra richness
- 1 small jalapeño chopped (for spice)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Season and Sear Chicken:
- Add chicken pieces to the pot and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear until the outside of the chicken turns golden.
Build the Broth:
- Stir in green chiles, white beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred and Cream:
- Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return to the pot. Stir in heavy cream (and cream cheese if using). Simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until thickened and creamy.
Adjust and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Cajun spice as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the chicken in oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes.
- If you prefer thicker chili, mash some beans or add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly — store for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or tortilla chips for the perfect pairing.
Nutrition
Calories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 33gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 840mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.4mg
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