Cajun White Chicken Chili
A fast and easy Cajun White Chicken Chili combining tender chicken, creamy white beans, and bold Cajun spices for a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty chili offers a creamy texture with a satisfying kick and is easily customizable to suit varying heat levels and dietary preferences.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, bite-sized pieces
Beans
- 2 cups canned cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies or 1–2 fresh jalapeños, diced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
Fats and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for your chili.
- Season the Chicken: Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs to the pot. Sprinkle a generous amount of Cajun seasoning over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cook until the chicken is sealed and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the drained white beans and diced green chilies. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for about 10 minutes while the chicken cooks through.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese or sour cream until fully melted and blended. This turns the chili silky smooth with a rich, comforting texture that balances the spices.
- Final Taste and Adjust: Give your chili a final stir and taste. Add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed. Let it simmer for another few minutes if you want flavors to deepen even more before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor by making your own Cajun seasoning blend at home.
- Cream cheese or sour cream is essential for a velvety texture and to mellow the spice.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly but remains tender to avoid dryness.
- Simmer gently to let flavors meld without breaking down the beans too much.
- Adjust the heat carefully by modifying the amount of chili peppers and cayenne according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Cajun, White Chicken Chili, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Spicy Chili, Healthy Protein, Weeknight Meal