Name: Cajun White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish

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.