Cajun White Chicken Chili is a bold, flavorful twist on the traditional white chili recipe. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, creamy white beans, smoky Cajun spices, and just enough heat to warm the soul, it’s a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly nights. This version brings a Southern kick that makes every spoonful unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Cajun White Chicken Chili packs so much flavor into one pot. The Cajun seasoning gives it a spicy edge that isn’t overwhelming, while the creamy texture makes it rich and satisfying. I also enjoy how easy it is to make—just toss everything in a pot and let the magic happen. Whether I’m serving it to family or making a batch for meal prep, it always hits the spot.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Green chilies, diced
- White beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese, softened
- Cajun seasoning
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime juice (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
directions
- I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions until they’re soft and translucent.
- I add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
- I toss in the shredded chicken, green chilies, white beans, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth.
- I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- I stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
- I finish it with a splash of lime juice and top it with fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so I have a hot, hearty meal ready in just under 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I like to swap the chicken for turkey or ground chicken to change things up. If I want it spicier, I add a chopped jalapeño or an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. For a lighter version, I’ve used low-fat cream cheese and it still tastes great. And if I need it dairy-free, I simply skip the cream cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If the chili thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun White Chicken Chili?
It has a mild to medium heat level depending on the Cajun seasoning used. I can always adjust the spice level by using more or less of the seasoning.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, I often make it in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except the cream cheese and cooking on low for 6–7 hours. I stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
What beans work best in this recipe?
I usually go with Great Northern or Cannellini beans, but Navy beans also work well.
Can I freeze Cajun White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely. I let it cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with Cajun White Chicken Chili?
I like serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad also makes a great side.
Conclusion
Cajun White Chicken Chili brings together the comfort of creamy white chili with the bold kick of Cajun flavors. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that I keep coming back to, whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option. Once I make it, it becomes a staple in my cold-weather recipe rotation.
Cajun White Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cajun White Chicken Chili is a bold and creamy twist on classic white chili, featuring shredded chicken, white beans, and smoky Cajun spices for a hearty, comforting meal with a Southern kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, green chilies, white beans, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Finish with lime juice if desired, and top with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Can be made in a slow cooker; add cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Leave a Reply