Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Hearty Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cooking a mouthwatering cajun white chicken chili sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Spicy aromas dance through the room, promising a flavor explosion that will make taste buds rejoice.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal with a zesty twist.

Southern-inspired seasonings bring depth and character to this classic dish.

Comfort meets heat in a bowl that speaks directly to your soul.

Bold flavors and creamy textures combine for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Variations on Cajun White Chicken Chili

  • Seafood Spice Fusion: Swap chicken and andouille for shrimp and crab, keeping Cajun seasoning for a coastal flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace meats with plant-based chorizo and jackfruit, maintaining the spicy Cajun essence while adding texture.
  • Lean Green Chili Remix: Use ground turkey instead of chicken, incorporate roasted green chiles for extra depth, and reduce butter for a healthier version.
  • Keto-Friendly Chili Bowl: Eliminate beans, increase protein portions, add heavy cream instead of sour cream, and serve over cauliflower rice for low-carb enjoyment.

Pairing Suggestions for Cajun Chili

  • Spice Up with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the chili's richness, balancing the Cajun heat with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Complement with Cornbread Muffins: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread provides a perfect textural contrast and soaks up the chili's flavorful broth beautifully.
  • Refresh with Cucumber Salad: Cool, crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, creamy chili.
  • Pair with Craft Amber Ale: Malty, hoppy beer stands up to the bold Cajun flavors, enhancing the chili's complex spice profile and hearty meat components.

Storage Advice for Cajun White Chicken Chili

Store the chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

Pour chili into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

  • Why use andouille sausage in this chili?

Andouille adds a smoky, spicy flavor that gives the chili a distinctive Cajun profile and provides extra depth to the overall taste.

  • Can I make this chili less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning, remove the jalapeno, or use a mild salsa verde to decrease the heat while maintaining the dish’s flavor complexity.

  • Is this chili healthy?

This chili offers protein from chicken and sausage, fiber from beans, and vegetables, making it a nutritious one-pot meal with balanced ingredients.

  • What makes this different from traditional white chicken chili?

The Cajun twist with andouille sausage, salsa verde, and specific spices sets this version apart from classic white chicken chili recipes, bringing a Louisiana-inspired flavor profile.

Spicy and Creamy: Cajun White Chicken Chili

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this Cajun White Chicken Chili that brings zesty Southern heat to your dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to your taste by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra toppings for a personalized culinary experience.
  • Quick and Satisfying Comfort: Create a hearty one-pot meal that delivers rich, complex flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Nutritious Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean chicken, protein-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables, this chili offers a balanced and filling meal that keeps you energized.

Ingredients for Cajun White Chicken Chili

For the Proteins:
  • Andouille Sausage: A spicy Cajun sausage that adds robust flavor and heat to the chili.
  • Chicken: Provides lean protein and absorbs the delicious Cajun seasoning.
For the Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper, Jalapeno: A classic Cajun vegetable base that creates a flavorful foundation for the chili.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
  • Green Onions, Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide brightness and garnish.
For the Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the chili and enhances overall flavor.
  • White Beans: Adds creamy texture and additional protein to the chili.
  • Salsa Verde: Introduces a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.
  • Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creaminess and rich, tangy notes.
  • Cajun Seasoning, Cumin: Spices that deliver authentic Cajun flavor and warmth.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to balance the rich chili.
  • Oil, Butter: Used for sauteing and developing flavors.

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Chicken

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown andouille sausage until crispy, then set aside.

In the same pot, cook chicken seasoned with Cajun spice until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken alongside sausage.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Melt butter and add these ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Bell pepper
  • Jalapeno

Saute until vegetables soften and become translucent. Mix in garlic, additional Cajun seasoning, and cumin.

Let aromatics dance and release their fragrant essence.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour these components into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • White beans
  • Salsa verde

Stir thoroughly to combine.

Return sausage and chicken back to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting flavors intertwine and develop depth.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Luxuriousness

Remove pot from heat. Gently fold in:
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir until the chili transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Elevate with Garnishes

Ladle chili into serving bowls. Brighten with fresh lime juice.

Sprinkle these toppings:
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Green onions

Serve hot and enjoy the bold Cajun flavors.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Cajun Chicken Chili

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs Cajun seasoning perfectly.
  • Dial down the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or swap with milder green chiles for sensitive palates.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth execution.
  • Swap dairy for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning gradually, tasting as you go for balanced flavor profiles.
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Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy Cajun White Chicken Chili brings Louisiana’s bold spirit to your kitchen, melding creamy white beans with zesty chicken and classic Cajun spices. Hearty and comforting, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming southwestern-style stew.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb (454 grams) andouille sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Broth, Beans, and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnishes:

  • Fresh lime juice
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large Dutch oven and heat oil over medium temperature. Sear andouille sausage until deep golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook in the same pot until completely browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside with sausage.
  3. Melt butter and introduce onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and tender.
  4. Incorporate minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cumin. Allow aromatics to develop for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  5. Pour chicken broth, white beans, and salsa verde into the pot. Mix ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors and create a uniform base.
  6. Reintroduce sausage and chicken to the liquid mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors.
  7. Remove pot from heat source. Gently fold in sour cream and Parmesan cheese until the chili achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
  8. Serve hot in individual bowls. Enhance with a fresh lime juice squeeze and garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Choose mild or spicy andouille sausage based on heat preference, or substitute with chorizo for a different flavor profile.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save cooking time and add smoky depth.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to manage heat level, perfect for those with sensitive palates or spice lovers.
  • Replace sour cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 447 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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