Warm up with a bowl of this Cajun White Chicken Chili—a hearty, flavorful twist on traditional chili! Packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of Cajun spices, this dish is the perfect combination of comfort and bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this chili is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and ready in under an hour. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chili:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful chili:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Beans and Broth:
- Stir in the white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the Chili:
- Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine. Let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Make It Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and the chili is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
Tips for the Best Cajun White Chicken Chili
- Chicken Shortcut: Use a rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the meat and skip the cooking step.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder chili.
- Beans: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a comforting yet exciting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and bold Cajun spices make it a standout meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize and even better as leftovers!
Conclusion
Give this Cajun White Chicken Chili a try and enjoy a bowl of spicy, creamy goodness that’s ready in no time. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, game day, or meal prep. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it turned out!