Description

Cajun White Chicken Chili is a bold, creamy, and soul-warming dish that blends shredded chicken, white beans, and smoky Cajun spices in a rich, satisfying broth. Finished with sour cream and cream cheese, this chili is the perfect fusion of comfort and Southern flavor. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, customizable in spice level, and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded

30 ounces great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans)

4 ounces diced green chilies (1 can)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika

0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

0.5 cup heavy cream (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sliced jalapeños, for topping (optional)

Juice of 0.5 lime

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.

2. Stir in Cajun seasoning, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add green chilies and mix.

3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in drained beans. Mash about 0.5 cup of beans and return to the pot to thicken.

4. Add shredded chicken and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.

5. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted. Then add sour cream and optional heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Do not boil.

6. Squeeze in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or desired toppings.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add broth if needed. You can make this dairy-free using plant-based alternatives. Mashing beans helps thicken the chili naturally.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Chili/Main Dish
Method: One-pot stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun/Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 425
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: cajun chili, white chicken chili, comfort food, spicy chicken chili