Zesty Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe: Spice It Up

Spicy, creamy, and packed with robust flavors, this cajun white chicken chili recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on traditional chili that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Southern comfort meets zesty warmth in every hearty spoonful.

Tender chunks of chicken swim alongside creamy white beans, creating a delightful texture that tingles your taste buds.

Aromatic spices dance through the chili, infusing each bite with a bold, tantalizing kick.

The blend of jalapeños, herbs, and rich seasonings transforms a classic dish into an unforgettable meal.

Perfectly balanced and supremely satisfying, this chili promises to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your senses explore a chili that breaks all the rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 7

Cajun White Chicken Chili Ingredient List

• Andouille Sausage: Smoky Cajun sausage that adds deep, spicy flavor and authentic Louisiana touch.
• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs the rich Cajun spices and provides hearty texture.

• Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper, Jalapeño: Classic Cajun holy trinity plus spicy pepper creating robust vegetable foundation.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that intensifies overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh, bright garnish with mild onion kick.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous accent that brings freshness and vibrant color.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that builds deep flavor foundation.
• White Beans: Creamy, protein-rich legume that adds texture and substance.
• Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that introduces zesty Mexican-inspired element.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend delivering authentic Southern heat.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warm, complex undertone.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic component that balances and lifts flavors.
• Sour Cream: Creamy element that softens heat and adds luxurious smoothness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and enhances richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for final flavor adjustment.

Tools for Cooking Cajun White Chicken Chili with Ease

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking multiple ingredients and building the chili.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing sausage, chicken, and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add Cajun seasoning, cumin, and other spices.
• Measuring cups: Useful for portioning chicken broth and other liquid ingredients.
• Can opener: Required if using canned white beans.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and moving chicken and sausage while cooking.
• Cheese grater: Needed to grate fresh parmesan cheese.
• Shredding tool or two forks: Used for shredding cooked chicken.

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili from Scratch

• Sausage Preparation

Brown andouille sausage in a large pan until edges crisp and color deepens. Remove and set aside for later adding.

• Chicken Magic

Season chicken with bold Cajun spices and cook until golden and tender. Set aside after cooking.

• Vegetable Foundation

Melt butter and sauté colorful vegetables until they soften and release their aromatic flavors. Onions, celery, peppers create a delicious base.

• Flavor Awakening

Add minced garlic and warm spices, stirring quickly to release their intense fragrance and depth.

• Chili Assembly

Combine all ingredients – broth, beans, salsa verde, cooked meats – in the pan. Let everything simmer and marry together, developing rich complexity.

• Final Touches

Shred chicken and return to pot. Stir in creamy sour cream and sharp parmesan. Brighten with fresh lime juice and herbs for a zesty finish. Adjust seasoning to personal taste.

Tips for Creamy, Spicy Cajun Chicken Chili

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning and jalapeño quantity to match your personal spice tolerance, creating a customized flavor experience from mild to wild.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or white fish for a delightful variation that keeps the Cajun-style essence intact while offering diverse protein options.
• Prepare a larger quantity of this chili and portion it into freezer-safe containers, ensuring convenient meals for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger moments.
• Enhance the chili's richness by adding roasted corn kernels or diced sweet potatoes, introducing extra layers of flavor and nutritional depth to the classic recipe.
• Convert this recipe into a plant-based version by substituting chicken and sausage with hearty options like jackfruit, tempeh, or extra beans, maintaining the robust Cajun seasoning profile.

Best Ways to Serve Cajun White Chicken Chili

• Flavor Explosion Toppings: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, and fresh cilantro for a crunchy, zesty texture that elevates every spoonful.
• Bread Companion Pairings: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty French bread, or buttery garlic toast to soak up the rich, spicy broth and add delightful contrast.
• Hearty Side Companions: Complement the chili with a cool, refreshing southwest salad or crisp coleslaw to balance the warmth and intensity of the dish's bold Cajun flavors.
• Beverage Harmony: Match the chili with a cold Mexican beer, zesty margarita, or crisp white wine to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal's vibrant Cajun profile.

Storage Ideas for Cajun Chicken Chili

• Flavor Storage Strategies: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers, ensuring maximum freshness and taste preservation.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store in sealed containers for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and food safety standards.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Freeze chili without sour cream for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers, allowing convenient meal preparation.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm chili on stovetop with splash of chicken broth to restore original texture and prevent moisture loss.

Spicy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Simmering with Cajun white chicken chili, this hearty recipe blends spicy Creole flavors and creamy textures. Comfort meets heat in a bowl that promises robust southern comfort for hungry diners seeking bold, satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced or diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• ½ cup salsa verde
• ½ cup sour cream (or crema, heavy cream, or 4 oz cream cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (or cotija), grated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sausage Preparation: Create caramelized andouille sausage by searing in hot oil until crispy brown edges develop, then transfer to a plate while preserving pan drippings.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun spices, then sizzle in the same pan until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Vegetable Sauté: Melt butter and introduce a colorful blend of onions, celery, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a flavor foundation.
4. Spice Infusion: Quickly add minced garlic, ground cumin, and additional Cajun seasoning, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and maximize flavor intensity.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pan, combining with white beans and salsa verde. Reintegrate reserved sausage and chicken, allowing ingredients to merge and simmer together.
6. Flavor Development: Reduce heat and let chili simmer, allowing spices to meld and liquid to slightly reduce for approximately 15 minutes, developing rich depth of flavor.
7. Final Assembly: Shred cooked chicken into rustic pieces, returning to the bubbling mixture. Stir in sour cream and parmesan cheese until smoothly incorporated. Finish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
8. Seasoning Refinement: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced and harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

• Sear for Depth: Caramelize andouille sausage first to build a rich, complex flavor foundation that transforms the entire dish.
• Spice Strategy: Layer Cajun seasoning throughout cooking stages to create a progressive, intense heat that develops complexity.
• Vegetable Timing: Sauté vegetables precisely until they soften but retain slight crispness, preventing mushiness and maintaining textural integrity.
• Finishing Finesse: Add dairy and fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavors and prevent separation or overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg