Description
A creamy and spicy Cajun White Chicken Chili packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of flavorful Cajun seasonings. This hearty chili is enriched with cream cheese and heavy cream, balanced by fresh lime juice and cilantro for a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
Beans and Liquids
- 2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (remaining)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse it with bold flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks once it is cool enough to handle.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and sliced jalapeño. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in the chicken broth, add the white beans, and sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the chili: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add creaminess: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream until they melt smoothly into the chili, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Brighten flavors: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to enhance and brighten the overall taste of the chili.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, extra jalapeño slices for heat, or lime wedges as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup, Chili
- Method: Searing, Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, spicy chicken soup, white bean chili, comfort food, Cajun seasoning recipe
