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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun spices, then sizzle in the same pan until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside.
- 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.
- Spice Infusion: Quickly add minced garlic, ground cumin, and additional Cajun seasoning, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and maximize flavor intensity.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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