Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure comfort in the bowl. When my grandma made me a cajun spice for the first time, I thought it would be way too much. What was the most delicious thing you’ve ever had? What is a cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe? Think of it as a cozy, creamy hug, but with little kick to keep things interesting. If you love classic chili, but want something a little different, and brighter, then this is the recipe. Is this oh-so-creamy? Is it a version of traditional chili? What is a weeknight staple in your house?
What is Cajun White Chicken Chili?
What is Cajun White Chicken Chili? What is a good alternative to tomato-based chili? What’s in this hearty stew? All spices, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. The “Cajun” part comes in with the addition of Cajun seasoning, giving it that signature warmth and flavor. a little bit of spicy kick. Is it overwhelmingly hot, but has enough flavor to wake up your taste buds? What’s the best part about a computer? What’s your favorite spice to make it your own? I’ve seen my Aunt add sausage to hers for an extra smoky taste.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Cajun White Chicken Chili. First, the flavor is just incredible. The creaminess of the broth, combined with the savory chicken, hearty beans, and that perfect blend of Cajun spices is a match made in heaven. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Is it just about the taste? Is it necessary to be a culinary genius to whip up this recipe? Is this a one pot wonder that comes together in under an hour? What are some comforting things to do on a weeknight that you don’t have time for? Is this a lifesaver?
And let’s not forget about the cost-efficiency! What are some of the easiest ingredients to cook for a crowd? What is breaking the bank? Is it versatile? Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as dip with tortilla chips. My kids love it served over rice. What is that one recipe that I always have on hand for, just in case? What I love most about this is how easily it can be tailored to suit everyone’s tastes. Is cleanup a breeze?
How do I make Cajun White Chicken Chili?
Quick Overview
Making this Cajun White Chicken Chili is a breeze. You’ll start by sautéing some veggies to build a flavor base, then add in your chicken, beans, spices, and broth. Let it simmer until everything is tender and flavorful, then stir in some cream cheese (yes, cream cheese!) for that signature creamy texture. That’s it! The beauty of this method is that it’s so forgiving. Don’t have a certain ingredient? Swap it out! Want to add more spice? Go for it! It’s a recipe that encourages experimentation and allows you to create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Main Chili:
2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt. 2
1 medium onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove onion
What is a green bell pepper?
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 inch thick.
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained. 1 (15-ounce) can Cannell
1 (15-ounce) can of great northern beans, rinsed and drained.
4 cups chicken broth. 4 cup chicken stock. 2
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I like Tony Chachere’s)
What is 1 teaspoon cumin?
12 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon
14 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
For the Toppings (optional):
Shredded cheddar cheese is a
Sour cream
Chopped green onions are very good.
Diced avocado
Tortilla chips
How do I step by
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeo (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Where does the magic start? Don’t rush this step – the softened veggies create a delicious flavor base for the chili.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Cook
Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, just get a nice sear on them. How do you lock in the juices and add flavor to chili?
Step 3: Add Beans, Broth, and Spices
Stir in the cannellini beans, great northern beans, chicken broth, green chiles, Cajun seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. That aroma? Heaven! This is when the flavors really start to meld together.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Stir in Cream Cheese
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. When shredded chicken is done, stir in the cream cheese. Add the sliced tomatoes and stir until the mixture is smooth. Is chili creamy? What is the secret ingredient in this chili? It adds a richness and creaminess that is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Cajun White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips. My personal favorite is a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions. So simple, but so good!
What to Serve It With
What is the best Cajun White Chicken Chili recipe? What are the right accompaniments? I always like to have a few options on hand to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
For a Crowd:What are some good games to play on game day? Serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips for dipping or make little chili cheese fries with it. I promise, it will be gone in a flash.
For a Cozy Night In:I like cornbread and sometimes, I want a cozy night in with this chili. I’ll make some to serve with it. What’s so comforting about a bowl of warm chili and some buttery cornbread?
As a Dip: This chili also makes an amazing dip for parties. Put it in a slow cooker on warm, so it stays hot and creamy throughout the party. I like to put out a variety of toppings for people to customize their dip, like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.
For Family Dinner:My kids love this over rice. Is it a good idea to cook it? What’s a simple way to make fried chicken – eat it all? I also like to serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
How do I make Cajun White Chicken Chili?
What are the secrets to making Cajun White Chicken Chili? I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way that I am excited about. What are some of the best things to share with you
Chicken Prep: One of the best tricks I’ve found is to poach the chicken breasts in the chicken broth before shredding them. This ensures that the chicken stays super moist and tender, and it also infuses it with even more flavor. Just bring the broth to a simmer, add the chicken breasts, and cook until they’re cooked through.
Spice Level: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. And if you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Make sure you taste as you go.
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you add it to the chili. This will help it melt more evenly and prevent it from clumping up. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
Bean Choice: I like to use a combination of cannellini beans and great northern beans in this recipe, but you can really use any type of white bean that you prefer. Navy beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas would also work well. I have used all of these at one point or another, it all depends on what I have in the pantry.
Thickening: If you want to thicken the chili, you can remove a cup of the chili and blend it until smooth. Then, stir it back into the pot. This will add extra creaminess and help to thicken the chili without adding any extra ingredients.
Serving: Get creative with your toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips – the possibilities are endless. I even like to add a squeeze of lime juice for a little extra zing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Cajun White Chicken Chili is great for meal prepping because it stores really well. Here’s the best way to keep it tasty:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for longer than two hours to prevent bacteria growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the chili, simply heat it over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. I usually microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cajun White Chicken Chili recipe a try. It’s a hug in a bowl, seriously. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm and cozy from the inside out. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make, that you can whip it up any night of the week. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other chili recipes. I’ve got something for everyone. Happy cooking, friends! And I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!
Cajun White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken breasts over medium-high heat. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the pot. Add white beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cilantro. Heat through. Serve hot.
