Quick & Zesty Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cajun white chicken chili brings sizzling Southern comfort right to your dinner table with its bold, spicy profile.

This hearty dish celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions of louisiana through a creamy, robust blend of ingredients.

Warm, fragrant spices dance across tender chicken and smooth white beans, creating an irresistible medley of flavors.

Rich and satisfying, the chili offers a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes with its distinctive cajun flair.

Carefully balanced heat and depth distinguish this version from ordinary soup or stew preparations.

Comfort meets excitement in every single spoonful of this remarkable meal.

Home cooks and spice enthusiasts alike will find themselves drawn to its complex yet approachable character.

Cajun White Chicken Chili: A Comfort Food Must

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Cajun white chicken chili brings fiery Louisiana-style flavors that transform a classic comfort dish into an exciting culinary adventure, blending smoky andouille sausage with bold Cajun seasonings.
• Layer upon Layer of Deliciousness: This recipe creates incredible depth by building flavors step-by-step- browning sausage, seasoning chicken, sautéing vegetables, and simmering everything together, ensuring each bite is packed with rich, complex tastes.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With just one pot and approximately 45 minutes total cooking time, this chili delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe allows easy modifications like adjusting spice levels, adding extra toppings, or swapping proteins, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and guaranteed to satisfy various taste buds.

Ingredients Checklist for Cajun Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the main body of the chili with a mild flavor and tender texture.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy Cajun sausage that adds smoky depth and robust flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper: Classic Cajun mirepoix that creates a flavor base with aromatic and slightly sweet undertones.
• Jalapeño: Fresh pepper that brings a sharp, spicy kick to balance the creamy chili.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall depth and complexity of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that creates the chili's consistency and adds rich flavor.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that provide texture and additional protein.
• Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that introduces bright, zesty notes.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that gives the authentic Louisiana-style heat and character.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warmth and traditional chili flavor.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that mellows heat and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that provides a subtle background flavor.
• Lime Juice: Acidic element that brightens and balances the dish.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add color and light, fresh finishing notes.

Simmering Instructions for Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Perfect the Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken. Cook in the same pan until it turns golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Onion
• Celery
• Bell pepper
• Jalapeño

Cook until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.

Step 4: Awaken the Aromatics

• Garlic
• Ground cumin
• Cajun seasoning

Cook briefly until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Create the Chili Base

• Chicken broth
• White beans
• Salsa verde
• Cooked sausage
• Chicken

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Transform the Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot, shred or slice into bite-sized pieces. Return to the pan.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

• Sour cream
• Grated parmesan

Stir until cheese melts. Add a splash of lime juice, sprinkle with cilantro and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Serve hot and enjoy this zesty Cajun White Chicken Chili!

Tips for Spice, Creaminess, and Balance

• Sear Sausage and Chicken Perfectly: Brown meats separately to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent steaming. This technique ensures a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds complexity to your chili.
• Control Spice Levels Wisely: Adjust Cajun seasoning and jalapeño quantities based on your heat tolerance. Start with less and taste as you cook, allowing you to customize the spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Layer Aromatics Strategically: Sauté vegetables gradually to release their natural sweetness and create a robust flavor foundation. Cook each ingredient until softened and slightly translucent for maximum taste impact.
• Choose High-Quality Beans: Select fresh or well-drained canned white beans for the best texture. Rinse beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and maintain a clean, authentic chili consistency.
• Let Chili Rest and Develop: Allow the chili to simmer gently and rest briefly after cooking. This resting period helps ingredients meld together, intensifying overall flavor and creating a more harmonious dish.

Chili Storage and Warming Tips

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Pour chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe consumption.

What Matches Cajun Chicken Chili

• Boost Flavor with Crisp Beer Pairing: Light, hoppy craft beers like wheat ales or pale lagers complement the spicy Cajun notes, cutting through the rich, creamy chili while refreshing the palate.
• Elevate with Zesty White Wine: Crisp, acidic white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balance the chili's heat and creamy texture, offering a bright counterpoint to the robust flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Cornbread Sidekick: Warm, buttery cornbread provides a perfect textural contrast, soaking up the chili's spicy broth and adding a sweet, grainy element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Crunch: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor that lifts the rich, spicy chili and provides a clean, aromatic finish.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

• Seafood Creole Chili: Swap chicken and sausage with shrimp and crab meat, maintaining Cajun seasoning and spice profile for a coastal-inspired version.
• Verde Chicken Poblano Chili: Replace jalapeño with roasted poblano peppers, increase salsa verde, and add green chiles for a more intense green chile flavor.
• Smoky Chicken Chorizo Chili: Substitute andouille sausage with Mexican chorizo, add smoked paprika, and include fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper, smokier taste.
• Creamy Vegetarian White Chili: Use plant-based chicken substitute, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, and add extra white beans for protein and texture.

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun white chicken chili brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your table with creamy white beans and tender chicken. Hearty seasonings and zesty peppers create a soulful bowl of comfort you’ll crave on chilly nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced or diced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and aromatics:

• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup salsa verde
• ½ cup sour cream (or crema, heavy cream, or 4 ounces cream cheese)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (or cotija), grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear andouille sausage in a hot pan with oil until caramelized and crispy, developing rich brown edges. Transfer to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful drippings.
2. Season chicken pieces generously with Cajun spices, then sizzle in the same pan until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt butter in the pan, then introduce a vibrant medley of chopped onions, crisp celery, sweet bell peppers, and spicy jalapeños. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce minced garlic, ground cumin, and additional Cajun seasoning, stirring quickly to prevent burning and maximize flavor intensity.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pan, combining with white beans and tangy salsa verde. Reintegrate the reserved sausage and chicken, allowing the ingredients to merge and simmer.
6. Reduce heat and let the chili develop depth, allowing spices to meld and liquid to slightly reduce, approximately 15 minutes.
7. Carefully shred the cooked chicken into rustic, tender pieces, returning them to the bubbling mixture.
8. Stir in creamy sour cream and nutty parmesan cheese until smoothly incorporated. Brighten the dish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Kickstart your meal prep by browning andouille sausage first, creating a rich, smoky base flavor that elevates the entire chili.
• Layer spices strategically throughout cooking to build complex, deep Cajun-inspired taste without overwhelming heat.
• Shred chicken after simmering to ensure tender, moist meat that absorbs the chili’s robust seasonings perfectly.
• Balance creamy textures by stirring in sour cream and parmesan at the end, transforming the chili into a luxurious, velvety dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning and jalapeño quantities to suit personal spice preferences.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions for bright, zesty finish that cuts through the chili’s richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg