Description
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that combines bold Cajun spices with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for warming up on any occasion, this chili offers a smooth texture with a lively kick, making it a flavorful and filling meal ideal for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs) – 2 tablespoons
Proteins and Beans
- Chicken breast – 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
- White beans (cannellini or Great Northern) – 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
Liquids
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – 1 cup
Vegetables and Aromatics
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Green chilies or jalapeños – 1 can (4 oz) diced or 1 fresh jalapeño, chopped
- Bell peppers – 1 medium, chopped (any color)
Cooking Fats
- Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant to build the base flavor for the chili.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, sealing in the juices and ensuring tender meat throughout the dish.
- Add Spices and Beans: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything well. Add the white beans and diced green chilies or jalapeños, mixing to blend the creamy and spicy elements.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Finish with Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through until the chili becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth, completing the signature texture and richness.
Notes
- Use fresh, freshly ground Cajun seasoning for the strongest, cleanest flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken; cook just until done to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer the chili gently to meld flavors without evaporating too much liquid, preserving the creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your desired thickness or lightness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus zest to add brightness to the rich chili.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup & Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun chili, creamy chicken chili, white chicken chili, hearty chicken stew, spicy chicken chili, comfort food