Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Cozy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Chili nights demand something special, and this cajun white chicken chili recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch of flavor that will instantly warm your soul.

Spicy, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and hearty beans, this dish brings southern comfort to your dinner table.

The blend of zesty cajun seasonings creates a remarkable depth that sets this chili apart from traditional recipes.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of heat and richness that keeps you coming back for more.

Chunky white beans and succulent chicken chunks create a satisfying texture that fills you up completely.

Whipping up this chili is easier than you might expect, with simple ingredients that come together in one pot.

Get ready to become the star of your next meal with this irresistible cajun classic.

Creamy Cajun-Style Chili Flavorful Edge

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with Cajun-style chili that brings bold, zesty tastes to your dinner table.
  • Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare this hearty dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous family gatherings.
  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combine chicken and sausage for a satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy, offering a delicious protein boost.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe with different beans, meats, or spice levels to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cajun-Style Chili Ingredient List

Proteins:
  • Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that adds substance to the chili.
  • Sausage: A rich and spicy meat that provides depth of flavor to the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Peppers: A classic trio of vegetables that create a robust and aromatic base for the chili.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Liquids and Beans:
  • Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory elements of the chili.
  • Salsa: Introduces a tangy and fresh component to the dish.
  • Beans: Provides texture and additional protein to the chili.
Dairy and Garnishes:
  • Cream or Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy finish to the chili.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cajun Spice: A bold and zesty blend that gives the chili its distinctive Cajun-style flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Helps to sauté vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Sear Meats

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crackle the sausage around the pan, letting it dance and brown for 5-7 minutes until it develops a gorgeous golden crust.

Scoop out the sausage and set aside.

Next, sprinkle chicken with zesty Cajun seasoning, then slide it into the same skillet.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is perfectly golden and cooked through.

Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Melt butter in the skillet and toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery
  • Sliced bell peppers

Let these veggies sauté and soften for 7-10 minutes, releasing their aromatic magic.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and your favorite spices, stirring for about 1 minute to intensify their flavor.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Kidney beans
  • Chunky salsa
  • Cooked sausage

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let the flavors mingle and dance for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Shred the Cajun-spiced chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot.

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream

Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun-style chili!

Tips for Spicy Cajun Chili

  • Brown sausage and chicken separately to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent overcrowding in the pan.
  • Sauté vegetables slowly in butter to caramelize and release natural sweetness, ensuring they're tender but not mushy.
  • Toast dry spices with garlic for maximum flavor intensity and to prevent raw, harsh taste.
  • Add cream or cheese at the end to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
  • Adjust cajun spice level by using mild or hot seasoning blend to suit personal preference and dietary needs.

Cajun Chili Variations for Fun

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace beans with cauliflower rice, use heavy cream instead of regular dairy, add extra spicy sausage for flavor depth.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute meats with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, add extra mushrooms for umami.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Ensure all spices and salsa are certified gluten-free, use corn-based salsa, check broth ingredients for hidden gluten.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, top with dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Serving Creamy Cajun Chili

  • Spicy Game Night Delight: Serve this hearty chili during football gatherings or movie marathons for a crowd-pleasing main dish that keeps everyone satisfied.
  • Comfort Bowl Extravaganza: Layer the chili over fluffy white rice or cornbread to create a rich, filling meal that transforms the dish into a complete dinner experience.
  • Topping Flavor Explosion: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to add creamy texture and bright, zesty notes that elevate the chili's robust Cajun profile.
  • Leftover Remix Magic: Transform remaining chili into stuffed peppers or use as a spicy topping for nachos, ensuring zero food waste and creating exciting new meal variations.

Storing Creamy Cajun Chili

  • Store chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for 3-4 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Defrost frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the consistency seems too thick.
  • Warm chili over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If dairy appears separated, whisk gently to recombine. Avoid boiling to maintain creamy texture and prevent ingredient breakdown.

FAQs

  • What makes Cajun-Style Chili different from regular chili?

Cajun-Style Chili combines traditional chili ingredients with Cajun spices and techniques, using sausage and chicken instead of typical ground beef, and incorporating a unique blend of seasonings like cayenne and paprika.

  • Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of Cajun spice and cayenne pepper used. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the spice blend to suit your taste preferences.

  • Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meats and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours to develop rich flavors.

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Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Cajun white chicken chili delivers a spicy southern comfort that dances between creamy comfort and bold Louisiana flavor. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a bowl of warmth that invites you to savor each zesty spoonful with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

Liquid, Seasonings, and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cans white beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
  2. Season chicken pieces with cajun spice blend, then sauté in the same skillet until fully cooked and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and reserve.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Sauté diced onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened and translucent, roughly 7-10 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and additional spices, stirring continuously for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, followed by beans and salsa. Reintroduce cooked sausage and chicken to the mixture.
  6. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  7. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot.
  8. Stir in cream or sour cream to create a rich, creamy texture. Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, or green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Spice Level Adjust cajun seasoning based on heat tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually to control intensity.
  • Meat Alternatives Swap chicken and sausage with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan for vegetarian version.
  • Dairy-Free Option Replace cream and cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain richness while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Prep Efficiency Chop vegetables and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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