Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe, a comforting bowl that brings together hearty chicken, creamy beans, and a bold Cajun kick—all in under an hour. With its velvety texture, vibrant colors, and just the right amount of spice, this chili is perfect for cozy dinners, crowd-pleasing parties, or anytime you crave something both comforting and exciting. Every bite is packed with flavor, and it’s so simple to make, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each playing an important role in building the chili’s irresistible flavor and creamy texture. Don’t skip any—each one brings something special to the table!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies and chicken beautifully.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the chili.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and a mild, earthy crunch.
- Garlic: Infuses every spoonful with savory depth.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein star, making this chili hearty and satisfying.
- Cajun seasoning: Delivers that signature bold, zesty flavor that makes this chili unforgettable.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness to the mix.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Dried oregano: Provides a hint of herbal freshness.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery heat.
- White beans: Creamy and hearty, they thicken the chili perfectly.
- Diced green chiles: Give a mild, tangy heat that balances the creaminess.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Frozen corn: Pops of sweetness and sunny color in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Makes the chili luxuriously creamy without overpowering the spices.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy, silky richness to the broth.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything up with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): The perfect finishing touch for color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Add Spices
Next, add the cubed chicken breast directly to the pot. Sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is where all those spices start working their magic.
Step 3: Add Beans, Chiles, Corn, and Broth
Pour in the drained white beans, diced green chiles, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld and the chili starts to thicken.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and gently stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy consistency. The cream cheese is the secret to the Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe’s signature luxurious texture!
Step 5: Finish with Lime and Serve
Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lime—this brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness. Give everything a final stir, let it simmer for 5 more minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe piping hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime, or even a dollop of sour cream. Shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips also make fun and flavorful garnishes that let everyone customize their own bowl.
Side Dishes
This chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also fantastic with warm cornbread, crusty baguette, or a simple green salad on the side. If you’re hosting, a platter of sliced avocado and tortilla chips adds a festive touch and makes the meal feel extra-special.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe into individual bread bowls for a wow-worthy presentation, or serve it as a dip with sturdy chips at your next game day party. Mini cups make for a playful appetizer at gatherings—no spoons required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in a well-sealed container to lock in all those bold, creamy flavors. The chili actually gets even tastier as the spices have more time to mingle!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe for up to 2 months. Let the chili cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chili gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and creamy again. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the veggies and chicken as directed, then transfer everything except the cream and cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in the cream and cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese. The result is still rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
What can I use instead of chicken breast?
Chicken thighs work beautifully for a juicier result, or try shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. You could even use turkey or a plant-based chicken substitute for a fun twist.
How do I make it spicier?
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, more Cajun seasoning, or chopped fresh jalapeños to the pot. Taste as you go so it’s just the right level of spicy for you.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Use a large enough pot and extend the simmer time a bit to ensure all the flavors come together.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe a spot on your dinner table soon. It’s one of those dishes that always wins rave reviews and warms up any occasion. Grab your favorite bowl, load it up, and enjoy every creamy, spicy, and oh-so-comforting spoonful!
Print
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Cajun white chicken chili combines tender chicken, white beans, and flavorful spices in a rich, velvety broth. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat, sweet corn, and a squeeze of lime, this hearty chili offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup frozen corn
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Beans & Canned Goods
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
Dairy & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Liquids
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown to keep its flavor mild.
- Cook Chicken with Spices: Add the cubed chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and no longer pink inside, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Beans and Broth: Pour in the drained white beans, diced green chiles, frozen corn, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to fully cook through.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, smooth texture.
- Finish with Lime: Add the lime juice and stir well. Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the fresh acidity throughout the dish.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a quick substitute to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
